Abstract Discusses decline in the quality of food city people eat, the role of the food industry, and its impact on the small farmer. Based on Wendell Berry's 1990 article, "The Pleasures of Eating", the author argues that eating is an agricultural act.
From the Paper "According to Wendell Berry in his article, "The Pleasures of Eating" (1990), there has not only been a marked decline in the life of the small American farmer, as well as other rural life, but also a decline in the quality of food that ..."
Abstract Hemp was an important crop for American farmers until 1937 when Congress passed a prohibitive tax on hemp production, the Marijuana Tax Act, and the hemp industry in the U.S. was destroyed. This paper shows how hemp has the potential for being an important resource in farming, medicine, and fuel production. The paper focuses mainly, however, on the environmental benefits of using bio-diesel produced from hemp seeds.
From the Paper "Although, there are still restrictions on industrial hemp cultivation, pressure from industry in recent years has led to a relaxation of the laws, resulting in a wide variety of new products, ranging from clothing to cosmetics and ice-cream (29). Because hemp is easy to grow, even in the poorest of soils, and can be harvested in four months, its environmental sustainability is a major selling point (30). Moreover, as a plant, like all plants, it absorbs the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere as it grows and due to the fact that it requires very little energy to process, it saves money, conserves fossil fuels and reduces carbon dioxide emissions (31)."
Abstract This paper provides an explanation of the genetics involved in breeding a certain color horse. Colors covered include black, chestnut, Mealy/Pangare, the dilutes, mixed patterns and the white patterns. The paper includes many photographs.
From the Paper "The Classic Roan gene affects all the bases, modifiers and dilutes but can be masked by other white pattern genes. Roan is a color pattern caused by white hairs mixing with colored hairs. There are no "Roan" hairs on a Roan horse. The resulting physical colors are usually blue or rose (black base and chestnut base) but less common colors are pale gold and almost white. The Roan gene however will usually not affect the points."
Abstract This paper examines how genetically engineered food is food that is produced from genetically engineered crops or animals and how the process of genetic engineering occurs when genes from one organism are spliced into the DNA of another organism, creating a new organism that could no come to pass through traditional breeding methods. In particular, it looks at how, because GE foods can be produced in larger quantities and at lower costs than traditional foods, the trend to embrace them seems inevitable and how opponents of GE foods are pushing to ban them, arguing that these foods are dangerous to human health and to the environment.
From the Paper "The argument that GE foods are potentially dangerous, that they may possibly be harmful in some unknown way at some unknown time cannot support the proposal to ban GE foods. For example, recent charges that a type of GE corn found in corn snacks could cause nausea and anaphylactic shock failed to provide the necessary evidence to support this accusation. No clinical case demonstrating such allergic reactions was ever reported. In addition, the quantity of this type of GE corn found in Taco Bell tacos was only one percent?an amount too small to be of any consequence."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief look at the history and varieties of coffee and then takes a deeper look at how important coffee is to the economies of the countries in which it is grown. The paper lists the main countries where coffee is grown and then looks at the coffee industry in each of those countries from an economic perspective. The paper also describes the types of processing and supply chain management typically used in the coffee industry, as well as how coffee is marketed in both domestic and international markets.
Introduction
Importance of Coffee
Brazil
The Ecuadorian/Amazon Region
Other Countries
Process/Supply Chain
Marketing and World Trade
From the Paper "According to legend the origins of the coffee industry began when an Arabian goatherd named Kaldi found that his goats reacted strangely around a certain green-leafed bush with red cherries. He ascertained that the excitement exhibited by the goats was due to the effects from eating these cherries. He also consumed some of the fruit and felt "invigorated"; later monks were said to have benefited from the plants qualities to help them stay awake during their long hours of prayer. Whether this story has any basis in fact is unknown but what has been determined is that Coffea Arabica originates from Ethiopia. The plant was cultivated by the Oromom people in the Kafa Province of the country. Arab traders are said to have transported seeds and grew plantations in about 1000 A.D. (Coffee, FAO)"
Abstract This paper examines how one of the ways scientists have discovered how to increase food supply for a growing planet is by using genetic modification techniques to produce heartier, healthier, and more abundant crops. It analyzes whether they are safe for human consumption and the environment. The writer shows how there are differing opinions on both of these questions.
From the Paper "Crops can also be modified to deliver medicines and vaccines. Pharmaceuticals are often costly to produce and require special storage conditions. Third world countries could benefit greatly from edible vaccines in plants such as tomatoes or potatoes. These medicinal vegetables would be "easier to ship, store and administer than traditional injectable vaccines" (Whitman, 2000). "In trials, crops have been genetically engineered to manufacture proteins for healing wounds and treating conditions such as cystic fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver and anemia; antibodies to fight cancer and vaccines against rabies, cholera and foot-and-mouth disease" (Pearce, 2004). Scientists have even made it possible for livestock, such as cattle, to contain omega-3 oils, known to prevent heart attacks, without the use of expensive fishmeal feed (Coghlan, 2004)."
Abstract This paper examines how Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is a neuro degenerative disease in a class of diseases known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE's). It looks at how BSE is caused by prions, which are related to several other TSE's and how it has been a major concern with the economy and human and animal health worldwide together with political policies. It also explores how testing, diagnosis and prevention of BSE and other TSE's are still under investigation.
From the Paper "vCJD also affects humans, but differs from CJD. Symptoms include depression, mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal, hallucinations, delusions, parasthesia ("pins and needles"), headaches, cold extremities, lack of coordination, loss of memory, loss of concentration, inability to talk or move, and results in death after 7-24 months, averaging 14 months.(7) It affects people ages 8-14.(7) 156 confirmed or probable cases have been reported worldwide as of April 2004. 146 of these cases were reported in Great Britain, 6 in France, and one in each Italy, Ireland, United States, and Canada. (7)Treatment for this disease includes chlorpromazine and quainacrine, but only experimentally."
Abstract In this paper the author describes a science project in which she attempted to see if antacids had an affect on acid, in particular, acid in soil. In the research, the author hypothesizes, before conducting her experiment, that the antacid will decrease the acidity of the soil. After conducting her experiment, the author concludes that the data collected supports her hypothesis.
From the Paper "The immediate purpose for this experiment was to determine the relationship between antacids and acidity in soil. As discussed in the discussion, I believe that the antacids would have an affect on the acidity mainly because antacids are neutralizers. The data that I collected did support my hypothesis. Although the data may have inadequacies because of the sources of error, it shows that the acidity of the soil did decrease in response to adding the antacids into the soil. The reason why I believe that the data is inaccurate in some parts is because after adding 35 g of antacids, the results turned back towards the acidic end of the pH scale. It wasn't until adding the 50 g of antacid that the results skyrocketed toward the base end of the scale."
Abstract This paper illustrates the harm that agricultural subsidies have done to the economy, to the environment, and to people's livelihoods. It illustrates various case studies of certain crops that have received perverse subsidies and gives several case studies of attempts to reduce these subsidies. It also offers solutions to this problem, namely, to cut off all subsidies in case of emergency.
From the Paper "One of the basic tenets of economics is the old adage "there is no such thing as a free lunch." Even when you go to a presentation with a "free lunch" afterward, the cost of procuring that food was somehow externalized. If we apply this to public policy, one can see that certain economic sectors have received a so-called "free lunch" from the government, even though there are many costs. Agricultural subsidies are often portrayed to be an essential part of the well-being of a nation, but they can have damaging effects on the environment, cause stagnation in the economy, and can be detrimental to the livelihoods of people around the world."
Abstract This paper explains that, although supporters of genetically modified agriculture claim that it increases crop yield, increases the nutritional content in the food and decreases the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; there are several concerns about the negative effects of this practice, especially for the Third World. The author points out that a major problem of genetically modified crops being used in the Third World is its cost for the seeds, which means that small farmers need to indenture to big firms, and, once genetically modified framing is used, soil nutrients are exhausted drastically and it becomes difficult to return to traditional farming with limited fertilizing. The paper urges that, while agricultural biotechnology is still young, the benefits and the risks of genetically modified agriculture should be considered more thoroughly especially its effect on the Third World even though this area suffers from lack of highly nutritional food.
From the Paper "Some people, especially children, are highly allergic to certain types of foods like peanuts. According to Wesley Burks, the Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, allergic reactions to genetically modified food are usually limited to the skin and respiratory tract. Symptoms include urticaria, angioedema, pharyngeal edema, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Genetically modified foods may accidentally introduce a new allergen because modern technology makes genes possibly be introduced to totally dissimilar species, for example a cow gene can be put into a plant. Dr. Martha R. Herbert, a pediatric neurologist said that "with genetic engineering, familiar foods could become metabolically dangerous or even toxic." It is true that if the crop itself is not toxic or dangerous, it could still upset the complex biochemical networks and create new bioactive compounds or change the concentrations of those normally present."
Abstract This paper explains that, because the forests of central America's western Pacific plains were cleared long ago for export crops and subsistence agriculture, the deforestation which has taken place in the last 50 years has been most severe in the lowland tropical moist forests of the Atlantic, or the Caribbean side of central America. The author points out that Panama has a wide range of environmental protection policies in place which are designed to address the impact of human habitation and land-use techniques and to emphasize environmental education and extension programs. The paper concludes that, because of the competition from multi-national businesses, which are not concerned about the environment, "green" businesses must develop effective business models to survive the rigors of the marketplace as well as the extremes of nature, which effect commercial forestation businesses. Many tables and charts. Annotated bibliography.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Deforestation and Agricultural Expansion
Background and Overview
Distribution of Panama's Forest Lands and Rates of Deforestation
Land Use Changes
Causes of Deforestation
Consequences of Deforestation
Impact on Agriculture and Supply
Climate Changes
Human Health
Forest Management in Panama
Signs of Progress
The Economic Value of Forest Benefits and Services
Deforestation and Property Rights
Findings and Discussion
Panama's Environment and the Components of its Eco-System
Economical and Social Consequences of Deforestation in Panama
The Climate Affected by the Loss of Forests
Forest Policies and the Existing Instruments to Conserve the Forest Areas
Ecological Viability of a Business in the Production Process, Beneficiary and Commercialization
Business Contribution
From the Paper "As a result of the enactment of a land tenure system in 1962, some small farmers in Panama have managed to acquire some land; nevertheless, by late in the 20th century fewer than one-third of all farms were owned by the people working them. The most common agricultural products include sugarcane, bananas, rice, plantains, corn (maize), and oranges, and the commercial cultivation of these and other crops increased considerably during the 20th century. Livestock raising (cattle, pigs, and poultry) is an important and long-established economic activity, and beef and hides are exported. The country's largest cattle-raising farms are in the southwestern savannas-in Chiriqui, Los Santos, and Veraguas provinces. The provinces of Panama, Los Santos, Chiriqui, and Veraguas raise the most pigs, whereas Panama, Cocle, and Colon are the largest centres for poultry and egg production."
Tags: biodiversity, vanilla, climate, health, rights
Abstract This paper explains that organic agriculture is defined as the agricultural process, which leads to an ecological management system that uses minimal farm inputs from outside the farm environment and management practices that aim at recreating, maintaining and elevating the ecological balance. The author points out that, using very good marketing sense, China is becoming a growing power in the global export organic food industry with products meeting the standard requirements of countries like the United States of America, Japan and the countries in Europe. The paper relates that the largest market for organic foods and beverages in the world is the United States of America, which can not grow its own demand; therefore, China with its high quality standards intends to tap this business opportunity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Globalization of the Organic Food Industry
China in the Global Organic Food Industry
Increased Availability of Organic Fertilizer
Scope for Increased Exports to Europe
Scope for Increased Exports to the United States of America
From the Paper "China also has succeeded in becoming the most important non-European Union supplier of organic beans and seeds to the Western Europe markets. The domination of Chinese exporting companies are clearly visible in the supply of organic pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, kidney beans and black beans. They have also made inroads into the supply of organic soya bean. Chinese companies have established themselves in the organic soya bean market in such a manner that they supply almost one third of all the organic soya bean requirement of the market. The Chinese government also has come out in support of the organic food industry by pledging additional support for the organic food industry thus raising expectations of increased production of organic food products."
Abstract This paper discusses the expected changes in climate and the ensuing affects on world agriculture. The paper claims that it is critically important to research climatic change since it affects everything on earth: man, beast, fish, fowl and organism. It also explains how climatic changes will affect the water temperature and the quality of the air.
From the Paper "Climatologists now have stated it is with the realm of "certain probability" that humans absolutely have induced global climatic disturbances resulting in a complete change in current conditions. Furthermore, the affect that has been projected for human health is one stated to be of a nature that is diverse, "unpredictable in magnitude" and slow in emerging. Specifically stated is that the "Adverse effects are likely to outweigh beneficial effect substantially" (McMichaels, et al eds., 2004) However the changes that may be witnessed sooner rather than later are those experienced from the affects of agricultural production difficulties and disasters and mass failure of crops due to unforeseen tragedy and destruction within the earth's biosphere. "
Abstract This paper examines how fair trade chocolate is supposed to give growers and workers of the cocoa bean a better wage than that paid by the international cartels of chocolate buyers. It also explains how fair trade chocolate could help alleviate the the problem of the millions of hungry and starving poor that exist in the world in spite of the abundance of food. Additionally, the paper presents a history of fair trade chocolate and how it contributes to the concept of sustainability.
From the Paper "It is likely that more people are familiar with the term Fair Trade Coffee, simply because major coffee house chains have begun promoting their organic fair-trade brews. When most people think of chocolate, it is more likely to be a foil-wrapped mass-market candy bar, perhaps a Kit Kat, that is wolfed down to quiet hunger pangs without a thought to the plight of the people who produced the chocolate. As there are no trendy, global chain 'chocolate houses,' there is no monolithic commercial avenue through which to either purvey fair trade chocolate, or make its advantages known."
Abstract This work examines reasons for protecting the farm industry in the U.S. and researches the history, as well as the origin of protectionism in the farm industry. The paper questions who is protecting the farming industry and looks at the advantages, as well as the disadvantages. The paper also examines who is gaining and who is suffering from this policy.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Historical Information
Tariff Timeline
Protectionism: The Facts
Advantages of Protectionism
Disadvantages of Protectionism
Who Gains from Protectionism
Failing Farms - Hungry People
Saving Farms - Feeding the Hungry
Summary and Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Those gaining from protectionist laws are "special interest groups" such as big corporations, unions, farmer's groups and others who have political clout and money to back their interests in seeing laws favorable for them passed. These groups intend to get away with charging higher prices and getting higher wages than could normally be expected in a free market. According to Walter Black, Senior Economist, Fraser Institute, Canada, "Protectionism is a misnomer. The only people protected by tariffs, quotas and trade restriction are those engaged in uneconomic and wasteful activity. Free trade is the only philosophy compatible with international peace and prosperity.""
Tags: Pat, Buchanan, trade, liberalization, congress, agriculture
