Provides a comprehensive discussion and analysis of the role government plays in agriculture in the United States, and the effects of the federal governments agricultural and food policies on business.* NEW- Devotes a new chapter to the ways in which the 1996 Farm bill changes the role of government in agriculture. Pg. 277-295 * NEW- Features comprehensive treatment of international trade policy with an up-to-date discussion of the World Trade Organization, GATT, and the issues likely to dominate the next round of trade negotiations beginning in 2000. Pg. 168-169 * NEW- Presents policies relating to food safety (pathogens and pesticides) as well as the implications of welfare reform on the future scope and structure of the USDA. Pg. 420-461 * NEW- Discusses current perspectives on the balance of world food supply and demand. Pg. 117-120 * Provides an understanding of contemporary farm policy decisions by discussing the process of policy formulation, the macroeconomics of agriculture, the international agricultural economic and policy environment, and the fundamental economic relationships and principles that affect todays agriculture. * Presents the political process as it relates

Policy analysis is a dynamic process of discovery rather than a passive exercise of memorizing facts and conclusions. This text provides opportunities to "practice the craft" of policy analysis by engaging the reader in realistic case studies and problem-solving scenarios that require the selection and use of applicable investigative techniques. US Agricultural and Food Policies will assist undergraduate students to learn how policy choices impact the overall performance of agricultural and food markets. It encourages students to systematically investigate scenarios with appropriate positive and normative tools. The book emphasizes the importance of employing critical thinking skills to address the complexities associated with the design and implementation of twenty-first-century agricultural and food policies. Students are asked to suspend their personal opinions and emotions, and instead apply research methods that require the careful consideration of both facts and values. The opportunities to build these investigative skills are abundant when we consider the diversity of modern agricultural and food policy concerns. Featuring case studies and critical thinking exercises throughout and supported by a Companion Website with slides, a test bank, glossary, and web/video links, this is the ideal textbook for any agricultural policy class.

This work debates and investigates the the cross-compliance system: where farmers comply with certain standards relating to the environment, food safety and animal and plant health. It discusses cross-compliance in the context of existing standards, on-farm costs and the competitiveness of farm businesses. Analyzing the economics of regulation both within the internal market of the EU and the broader world market by examining a broad range of agricultural products, this resource will be of value to agriculture and resource economists, policy makers, researchers and students in environmental and agricultural policy and modelling.

Profiles of 723 organizations that can help farmers meet their farming stewardship and profitability goals. Includes 1,000 individuals and more than 200 organizations in all 50 states. Covers 169 farmers and ranchers, 247 ag. researchers, 161 Coop. Extension Service personnel, 72 agribus. people, and 63 farm consultants. Lists their special skills and knowledge in crop, forage and livestock production, soil and water mgmt., marketing, organics, pest control, cropping systems, erosion control, irrigation methods, and livestock feed and health mgmt. systems.