Using an Environmental Justice Framework (EJF) and risk perception theory this research investigates the perceptions of residents of one West Michigan agricultural community regarding the density of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in their area. Using a case study approach, semi-structured interviews (n=11) with operational stakeholders and orally administered surveys (n=296) with the community at large were conducted. Hispanic community members and farmworkers were purposively sampled due to their unique status in the community. Results indicate that community perceptions of risk differ significantly among demographic groups. Hispanic community members were more likely to perceive the employment benefits of CAFOS as being more important and the likelihood of environmental pollution or human health effects to be lower in importance than non-Hispanic community members. In contrast, women were more likely to perceive the potential of environmental pollution effects of CAFOs to be more significant and the economic benefits to be less important than men. Our findings support risk perception theory and also suggest directions for future research regarding educational attainment and perception.
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