ENERGY INTENSIVENESS OF WASHINGTON AGRICULTURE AND THE EFFECTS OF INCREASES IN ENERGY PRICES ON WASHINGTON AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Data are presented on the quantities of various forms of energy used directly in the production of six important agricultural commodities in Washington State. Indirect energy requirements (energy used in the production of inputs into agriculture) were calculated for four sectors of Washington State agriculture, using an input-output matrix. A linear programming model was used to determine the effect on income of increases in the prices of electricity, petroleum products, and natural gas. It was found that a 50% increase in the price of electricity would reduce the state's income from agriculture by less than 1%; a comparable increase in the prices of petroleum products and natural gas would result in an income reduction of less than 3%.