Abstract This paper examines how genetic modification (GM), often known by the less ominous name of biotechnology, is the science of improving the genetic characteristics of plants to produce better, more healthful foods, as well as foods resistant to certain pests and those which will survive under harsh conditions. It looks at how, with the advent of gene technology, biotechnologists are now able to more easily produce abundant, better-quality and more nutritious food supplies to consumers.
From the Paper "There are many arguable benefits to the modification of our foods, many of which are already in practice. The key difference between conventional breeding and genetic modification is that in the past it has only been possible to transfer traits between plants and animals of the same or very similar species. GM allows splicing between completely different species and even the combination of plant and animal genes. Because of this technology, scientists have now been able to create, for example, a type of maize that produces a protein from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. This protein kills the insect called a corn borer which is known to do considerable damage to maize crops."
Abstract The Middle East is located at a unique position on the Earth. At first, this region was part of the African and Asian continents. Over time, due to plate tectonics, the region altered its shape and location. It is now found at the junction between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Given this, it has some distinctiveness that is exclusive only to itself. This paper shows why the Middle East is unlucky in its environmental characteristics - climatically, geologically and agriculturally.
From the Paper "It is a know hotspot for seismic activity and also has been known for its volcanic past. Due to the combined causes of the selective feeding of livestock and unusable soil, the agricultural system in the Middle East has suffered. The climate is barren and dry in many places in the Middle East. Also, the temperature swells, in the entire region, from an incredible degree of direct heat from the sun. Thus, the climate, as in all cases, is directly related to agriculture."
Abstract This paper analyzes the extent to which the promises made at the WTO Ministerial at Hong Kong by rich countries, especially the European Union and the United States, can be fulfilled within the time frame stated i.e. 2013. It examines the prospects of how soon the international trade in agriculture can start taking place on a fair and level playing field for all countries. The paper questions whether the production processes are competitive in these countries and explores how the political economy of each country plays a role in the issue of governmental support.
From the Paper "Agriculture has evolved as one of the major issues in the WTO negotiations, which is much more complicated than any other issues at hand. For the coming WTO Ministerial Meet in December 2005, it was the turn to agree on formulas and other details that will determine the scale of reductions in tariffs on thousands of products and farm subsidies. Here we will confine our discussion only on the agricultural sector. Many have seen the Hong Kong Meet as a lost opportunity for the developing nations to make trade fairer for poor people around the world. Rich countries put their commercial interests before those of the developing countries and most of the difficult decisions were postponed for a further meeting early in the year 2006. This has been the trend in the previous rounds of negotiations also. The Oxfam International Briefing Paper number 85 'correctly' observes that it was far from clear why rich countries that were unable to show the necessary leadership in Hong Kong will behave any differently in a few months' time. In fact, it would have been unwise to expect them to behave differently even at Hong Kong. Since July 2004, nothing remarkable has changed. As always has been the case, this time too, the focus was on the US and the EU policies, which only matter because policies in these two large markets have the most impact on the global market prices of agricultural commodities. A glance at the last 50 years of history of agriculture in the US and the EU, will reveal that the agricultural subsidies in the US & EU have been a persistent phenomenon. At different times the policymakers have accorded different justifications for continuing the same. Nevertheless, all the different political economic theories share a common denominator that the principal goal of subsidies is 'to support farm income while minimizing budget costs'."
Abstract This paper explains that the dispute over beef hormones between the United States and the European Union has been ongoing for two decades, escalating to a ban on American beef treated with hormones, despite scientific studies supporting the fact that certain approved growth hormones posed no public health threat. The author points out that the pandemonium in the E.U. started in the early 1980s over synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was banned in the United States in 1979 because of its links to cancer and birth defects, was detected in some imported baby food made with veal. The paper shows, therefore, that four European countries prohibited all hormone use in cattle, which eventually led to the ban of American beef. The paper relates that the core of the difference is that American consumers and authorities have embraced technological breakthroughs relating to foodstuffs; whereas, the Europeans tend to shy away from such advancements: In the end, the beef hormone dispute appears to be at a stalemate.
From the Paper "The use of certain growth hormones in the American beef industry was a common occurrence in the 1970s and 1980s. American farmers saw the immediate benefits of growing beefier beef cattle and enthusiastically accepted the practice. The growth hormones, used by the United States, are actually a pellet that is implanted under the animal's skin, behind the ears. This time-release capsule slowly releases the hormones over the period of several weeks, during significant stages of growth. The cost effectiveness of this process is significant"
Abstract Written in question and answer form, this paper traces the history of the Kudzu vine from its natural Asia to its introduction to the United States in the late 19th Century. The paper focuses on the problems caused by Kudzu and why it is considered more of a menace these days. The paper concludes with the benefits of the plants and argues that if more people were educated about its beneficial properties, they would not be so quick to eradicate it.
From the Paper "All non-wooden parts of the plant are edible; the leaves can be made into cooked greens or used in fresh salad, the flowers can be sauteed or fried like is traditional with squash flowers, and the roots can be used as a whole prepared dish or to starch liquids. In fact, researchers have found that traditional Asian medicine was correct about the healing properties of kudzu. Kudzu has been proven to be effective in treating alcoholism, reducing hangovers, treating migraines and other headaches, acting as an anti-inflammatory, and even being a cancer preventative. (Wikipedia) With all of these possibilities, eradication may be the least beneficial control method available. Education about this plant is the key to success for all concerned parties."
Abstract This paper explains that, in their haste to introduce market reforms and efficiencies into their antiquated agricultural systems, many emerging nations have sacrificed their environment and citizens' health in exchange for some well-intentioned but misguided short-term gains in productivity. The author points out that past agricultural practices were based on tradition and spiritual concepts; however, many emerging nations have succeeded in overcoming these constraints through innovative policies and initiatives. The paper stresses that modern western agricultural practices rely heavily on heavy and expensive equipment as well as industrial pesticides and fertilizers to wrench continued high yields from the soil are not readily transferable to many emerging nations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Existing Agricultural Practices in China Today
Innovative and Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Current and Future Trends
What Can Be Done?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Within rural sociology, sustainable agriculture is frequently considered to be a mutually exclusive "competing paradigm" that challenges conventional agriculture on environmental, economic and ideological grounds. As a result, much of the research on identifying sustainable agricultural practices has been focused on understanding the characteristics which differentiate conventional and alternative farmers, as well as the conditions that serve to constrain or facilitate the development of alternative practices and ways of thinking among farmers and agriculture more generally. For example, researchers have examined a variety of farmer and farm attributes such as age, education, orientation to risk, perception of environmental problems, farm size, and profitability; the impact of agricultural markets and prices and state policies, programs and services have also been examined extensively."
Abstract This paper debates the continuation of the American Farm Bureau (AFB)and examines the influence of the AFB on the quality of our food. The paper discusses the problems that arose for the AFB, after the passage of the Food Quality Protection Act. The paper also claims that the Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act did not fulfill its purpose of keeping the EPA rulings reasonable.
From the Paper "When the Delaney clause was removed from the books in 1996, the EPA assured the Farm Bureau that it would introduce a sensible approach to measuring and regulating crop protection residues in food supplies using an approach based on scientific data. American farmers were assured that scientific assessment, not perceived risk would be the method used to determine the needed regulations to ensure the safety of our food supply. Unfortunately, the EPA determined by unscientific means that organophosphates and carbamates should no longer be used for crop protection. These chemicals are used to protect many of the fruits and vegetables and have been proven safe by means that are scientific."
Abstract This paper examines the economic hardships facing American agricultural workers and farmers. It explains that recent persistent efforts of the national government to force American producers into a world market with little or no protection from competitive, subsidized production from other countries clearly illustrates one need to bargain for fair prices for American production. It discusses how farmers are entitled to the right to operate profitably and to extract the dollars needed to do so from the marketplace. The paper points out that the water rights are one of the ways that American farmers are helped by the government.
I. Water Rights Defined
A. Impact of Water Rights on Farmers
II. Water Issues and the Agricultural Industry
A. Farming Industry's Potential Regulatory Burden
B. EPA Strategy
C. Farming's "Side" of the Story
1. Potential Hardships Faced
III. Role of Agricultural Industry in Improved Water Quality
A. Benefits of Farming Innovations
B. Advantageous Farm Programs
1. Environmental and Economic Consideration
IV. Summary and Conclusion
V. Bibliography
From the Paper " A water right is a legal right to use surface or ground water, as per the provisions of a particular federal or state Water Use Act . A water right allows a specific amount of water from a specific water source to be diverted, impounded, or withdrawn for a specific use. When a water right is granted, it becomes appurtenant to the land where the water is being used, for as long as the water is used. In some states where water naturally occurs as a common property resource, the landowners do not have automatic rights to either ground or surface water. In these cases, for example, if a farmer has a creek running through his property, he will need a water right to protect his use. Using water without a permit or certificate does not give the user a legal right to use the water."
Abstract This paper outlines the American Farm Bureau's position that the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) can be be met without
restricting or canceling the safe use of pesticides. The paper explains that the FQPA, designed and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), restricts the use of certain pesticides on any food crops raised in the U.S. and that the Farm Bureau holds that the FQPA must be also be implemented in a manner that will ensure farmers and ranchers continuous access to safe and affordable crop protection.
From the Paper "The American Farm Bureau supports H. R. 1592, the Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act of 1999. This bill provides for guidance for all EPA limitations or cancellations of pesticides. It requires the EPA to submit a written report identifying areas where assumptions were used when data was insufficient for making tolerance decisions. It also requires the identification of any alternatives to the particular pesticides under review. The EPA must use actual data from scientific research before modifying or revoking tolerances of these pesticides."
This paper discusses biodiesel, a mono alkalyl ester of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats processed and refined for use as a fuel in diesel engines, and its associated problems.
Abstract This paper explains that biodiesel is a revolutionary change and therefore has a revolutionary effect on the cultural, social, political, economic and health aspects of society. The author points out that, although biodiesel is claimed to be "green", with minimum pollutions, this fuel has some known toxicity, which is more lethal than the regular diesel. The paper relates that another objection with the biodiesel production is the use of massive land for the commercial purpose; however, conventional techniques of farming and the modifications propagated for the farmer's well-being could counteract this problem.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Coping with the Materials
The Financial Factor
Substituting Fuel with Food
Starvation and Biodiesel
The Land and Farming
Biodiesels and Toxicity Complains
The Cultural Dynamics
Political Issues and Taxation
Experimental Outcome
High in the Sky
Summary
Suggestions
Social Responses
Conclusion
From the Paper "Despite, the efficacy and proficiency of the fuel, there are some problems associated with its usage. First, is the compatibility of the diesel with the material of the pipes used, through which the diesel flows. The O ring and hoses made of rubber which are the parts of gasket made before early 90's were of a nature to get shrunk with the use of such gas. These materials got dissolved by the degradable bio agents in the gas and have to be replaced by Viton or other type of Biodiesel compatible materials. This highly viscous biochemical has a tendency to clean out old carbon sludge from a fuel tank of an older vehicle, resulting in severely clogged fuel filter, so whenever and older vehicle is used, it became necessary to check its fuel filter intermittently. The most pronouncing problem linked to Biodiesel is that it solidifies at freezing temperatures. In a temperature below than 40 [degrees] F, the biodiesel should be made warm, blended with cold- weather anti-gel additive or mixed with normal synthetic diesel."
Abstract This paper deals with the issue of free trade in agricultural products versus protectionism that is one of the fiercest international economic debates. It discusses the arguments of the proponents of free trade who believe in opening the global market with as few restrictions on trade as possible and those of the proponents of protectionism who believe in concentrating on the welfare of the domestic farming community. The stage at which the talks over subsidies take place is the World Trade Organization ("WTO").
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Economics of Agriculture
Some Numbers
A Comparative Advantage of the Poor
The Reasons for Protectionism
The WTO and the Prisoner's Dilemma
From the Paper "However, why do the rich countries like those of the European Union as well as the US today still subsidize their farmers to the tune of billions of dollars a year? Beginning in the 1930s most industrialized countries developed agricultural price-support policies to reduce the volatility of prices for farm products and to increase, or at least stabilize, farm income. Subsequently, in food-exporting countries, such as the United States and France, agricultural subsidies have been designed primarily to increase farm income, either by raising the long-term level of prices above free-market levels or by providing direct payments to farmers."
Abstract This paper examines how fishermen, agriculturalists, scientists and legislatures are all major players in the issue of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. It looks at how numerous legislatures have been passed and acts created to correct the issue of hypoxia and how, as hypoxia continues to be an issue of concern, these acts are becoming the focal point in hope of minimizing the effects .
Outline
Resolved Issues
Unresolved Issues
From the Paper "According to Otto Doering, a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University, farmers can use a variety of methods to cut the flow of excess nitrogen by 20 percent to 25 percent without hurting food prices or farm exports. Anything less than this though would cause serious problems in food costs and farming (Sciencedaily.com). Only a small portion of the nitrogen coming down the Mississippi is from sewage treatment plants and factories. The bulk of it is non-point nitrogen. That means it is not from a specific source, but is nitrogen that comes off the land or through the soil. A large portion of the nitrogen that comes through the land and soil comes from fertilizer applied by farmers (Sciencedaily.com)."
Abstract This paper studies the attempts by the agricultural sector to contain pest plagues, which every year threaten the destruction of farmers' economic viability. The author provides an historical overview of the relationship between pests and agriculture, focusing on artificial or chemical means to control pest plagues. The paper also examines the dangers of these remedies to the environment and explores alternative means, such as organic farming.
From the Paper "In order to reach yield levels that even come close to satisfying the food demands of the population and that also make farming economically viable, farmers developed, through necessity, a dependence on chemical fertilizers, modern machinery, pesticides, and the science of agriculture. Farmers walk a tightrope on a daily basis to remain financially solvent in the face of weather disasters, pest infestations, and fluctuating market prices. Any crop loss can have severe economic repercussions, and in the arena of pest plagues, unless a constant battle is waged, disaster is certain. Insects multiply at such a high rate that several generations of an insect species can hatch, develop, mature, and reproduce within a single crop season. There is no doubt that crop devastation due to pests is a grave concern."
This paper illustrates the foundation of economics, the concept of demand and supply, by examining the milk production and wheat industries in United States.
Abstract This paper explains that both demand and supply represent the two ends of a transaction in the economic market thereby illustrating consumer behavior and supplier or manufacturer behavior respectively and, because of this, there is a strong connection between the two variables. The author points out that a change in price never shifts the demand curve for that particular good because the factors that influence a shift in the demand curve are determined by an increase or decrease in the consumer good, a change in the consumer preference or a change in the prices of substitute goods. The paper relates that a shift in the demand curve to the left will lower the equilibrium price and a shift to the right will increase it; however, a shift in the aggregate supply curve to the left will increase the equilibrium price and a shift to the right will lower it and, if such shifts do occur, then the consumer and supplier will probably rethink their decision making process.
From the Paper "Milk is definitely one of those basic commodities that has an impact and drives the American economy. It is the reason for the existence of a dairy product industry offering quite an array of other related products. The World Bank has identified a set of driving forces that are considered to have an important influence on the development of the livestock sector world-wide over the next two decades. These important factors are growing demand for meat and milk, shifting consumer perspectives, changing functions of livestock, structural changes, and evolving international and national socioeconomic frameworks. Due to these points, milk, as an economic commodity can be used to estimate and to show a constant rise in demand thereby affecting the overall economy in quite a few ways."
Abstract In this paper the author questions the right of the "white" Europeans to take over and destroy the good soil of Australia.He questions the actions of the white Australians and highlights the history and rights of the Aborigines to his land, quoting many sources. The paper concludes that the Aborigines know the land better and he justifies their right to look after the land and not let it be destroyed.
From the Paper " The problem with those of us who consider ourselves "civilized" and "up to date" is that we specialize, first in genocide, then in the rape of nature, and then create new specialties to repair the damage. Before the Europeans came, the Aborigines had no worries about the Ozone layer, or mastering a driver's test. Cricket, to them, was the sound of Nature at work, not some distant test match."
