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."

Tags:antiquated, short-term, characteristics, resources, non-transferable

Abstract
The paper investigates the practical strategies growing out of real-life paradigms aimed at achieving sustainable agricultural practice; in other words, it looks at the strategies which may well permit agriculturalists to achieve a means of food production that respects the fragile ecosystem that gives us the food-stuffs we need to survive. In particular, this paper explores how different strategies can produce different alternatives and sustainable farming practices for small farming enterprises that can lead to economic and social progress; it may also be said that embracing sustainable agriculture can lead to new markets for small-scale farmers that would otherwise have been impossible.

From the Paper
"The following essay will investigate the practical strategies growing out of real-life paradigms aimed at achieving sustainable agricultural practice; in other words, it will look at the strategies which may well permit agriculturalists to achieve a means of food production that respects the fragile ecosystem that gives us the food-stuffs we need to survive. In particular, this essay will explore how different strategies can produce different alternatives and sustainable farming practices for small farming enterprises that can lead to economic and social progress; it may also be said that embracing sustainable agriculture can lead to new..."

Tags:business, communities, farms

Abstract
This paper is a comprehensive research paper that outlines the history, purpose and structure of the UN; and combines that with a close examination of the issue of poverty, the key UN agencies tasked with reducing poverty, and a case study detailing the elements of successful public works programs. The paper asserts that the UN has established the "best practices" in establishing public works programs in developing nations.

From the Paper
"When people think of the United Nations they often consider only the peacekeeping missions and the sometimes controversial roles the UN has played in world politics. But the central role of the United Nations is not only peacekeeping. The central role of the United Nations is indeed the promotion of peace and security but also development and human rights. The role of the UN in developing programs to better life for suffering peoples around the world was recognized ..."

Tags:UN, United Nations, poverty, public works, workfare, humanitarian, aid, poor, destitute, extreme poverty, Africa, South Africa, Asia

Abstract
This paper discusses the provincial government's Agricultural Land Commission and the policies it enforces on land use in British Columbia. It looks at how the scarcity of agricultural land and the importance of food self-sufficiency, combined with competing demands for farmland for non-farm uses, convinced the government that preserving farmland for agricultural purposes was a matter of provincial interest and importance.

From the Paper
"Due to increased competition and the increasing demands of the contemporary consumer, the need for establishing sustainable industries that enhance quality of life is crucial when creating a thriving local business environment. However, in recent years business development has taken a back seat to environmental protectionism in part due to the lack of suitable land for agricultural and farm use. "

Tags:greenhouse, agricultural, commission

Abstract
This paper examines how modern agricultural mass production has caused a reduction in the number of species used for food. The paper then points out the consequences of crop varieties, a reduction in the capacity of plant life and a reduction in ecosystem equilibrium. The paper recommends that to achieve some semblance of bio-diversity, farmers now must preserve agricultural variety by increasing heritage and heirloom plant products.

From the Paper
"While its technical ingenuity and sophistication cannot be under-estimated, the grim truth is that modern agricultural mass production has caused a reduction in the number of species used for food. Put simply, the modern tendency towards mass production has resulted a situation wherein a mere 15 plant species constitute about 90 percent of the food consumed by humans (Pimentel, 453). Suffice it to say, the desire to optimize production and maximize profit has sparked the massive mass production of a narrow band of foodstuffs; consequently, there has been a progressive deterioration of crop varieties, a reduction in the capacity..."

Tags:agricultural, mass, production

Abstract
This paper discusses the role of agricultural subsidization in developed countries through the examination of the consumer price index (CPI), per capita income levels, and the per capita expenditures on food within the CPI weighted averages. The paper hypothesizes that agricultural subsidies actually inflate the price of food commodities, which has an exacerbating effect on the economy and the lower income demographic.

From the Paper
"The primary issue is the supposition that government agricultural subsidies disrupt the natural market forces that dictate the free-market premise that prices seek their own level. This principle of price disruption caused by agricultural subsidies is, perforce, most apparent in the price of food and food products. The result, and the proposed hypothesis, is that consumers actually pay higher prices for food items that would otherwise be the case sans agricultural subsidization by government entities. Purpose of Study The purpose of this study is to illustrate the reality of the hypothesis in order to establish and build a case to end agricultural subsidization by developed countries around the globe."

Tags:cpi, agricultural, subsidies

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the ethical and moral issues of the agricultural revolution and concludes that it did not cause the problems of modern society. The writer argues that human nature, not agricultural production methods, causes ethical problems.

From the Paper
"The theory has been advanced that though the Agricultural Revolution in the Neolithic Era may have been the most significant event in human history with respect to the rise of complex civilizations among its effects was the introduction of opportunities that have resulted in the moral decline of many cultures. Social scientists including Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier and Richard Appelbaum date the rise of agrarian societies as a replacement of hunting and gathering societies to about ..."

Tags:agricultural revolution, progress, civilization, ethics, morality

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."

Tags:agricultural, EU, fast-track, trade, OECD

Abstract
This paper looks at Financing Agricultural Equipment, with an emphasis on examining requirements to finance a large tractor. According to the paper, they usually cost around $250,000 using John Deere's own financing program. The paper also includes a description of the process, credit requirements, paperwork necessary for completion, interest, and payment information.

From the Paper
"According to the John Deere website online this company was founded in by Mr John Deere. The John Deere Company has grown from a one-man blacksmith shop into a corporation that does business around the world. It is one of the oldest industrial companies in the United States. This company manufactures products in seven major categories. Residential, Commercial, Golf and Turf, Agriculture, Construction, Forestry and Engines and Components. In this case study we are asked to..."

Tags:agricultural financing, lease or buy, options John Deere financing programs

Abstract
This paper compares three emerging market countries; China, South Korea, and Taiwan, and includes an introduction explaining what an emerging market country is.

From the Paper
"In the World Bank, Antoine W. van Agtmael coined the term 'emerging market economy' or EME to mean an economy with low-to-middle per capita income. (Heakal) Surprisingly, a lot of the world's population falls into this category. EMEs are fast growing economies in a transitional phase from a closed to an open market economy and they are characterized by increased local and foreign investment, both portfolio and direct. (Heakal) Since EMEs are in transition..."

Tags:emerging market, China, South Korea, Taiwan, economy