Abstract This paper examines several areas of concern for agricultural economists when they look towards the future. Some of these areas of interest are nutrition and health, the possibility of using food products for uses other than consumption, and genetic adaptation of crops. However, the paper highlights three major interests of agricultural economists, the supply of food available, farm productivity and profits, and agriculture production that will be friendly to the environment.
From the Paper "The availability of food supplies in the world is a primary interest and concern for agricultural economists. In an article by Lester Brown, he compares our use of the natural resources to the use of an endowment, which we have now started to utilize in addition to the interest and this leads to bankruptcy. He states, "By satisfying our excessive demands through overconsumption of the Earth's natural assets, we are in effect creating a global bubble economy" (Brown 1). Several issues impact the concern of the world's food supply."
Abstract There are several areas of concern for agricultural economists, when they look towards the future. Some of these areas of interest are nutrition & health, the possibility of using food products for other uses than consumption and genetic adaptation of crops. However, three major interests of agricultural economists are the supply of food available, farm productivity and profits and agriculture production that will be friendly to the environment. This paper discusses these issues.
From the Paper "The first consideration in food security is the rising temperatures of the world. According to Lester Brown, the "16 warmest years since record-keeping began in 1880 have occurred since 1980. With the three warmest years on record-1998, 2001 and 2003-coming in the last five years, crops are facing unprecedented heat stress" (Brown 1). The heat stress on plants globally impacts evaporation and impedes fertilization, leading to production of fewer crops. Fewer crops will lead to increased prices in food, particularly for countries that import much of their food, principally grain."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the practice of factory farming in the United States. While the paper concedes that these new age farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for the increasing demand, the methods involved, crowded conditions, and problems caused to the environment are less than beneficial. The author describes how the factory farms have deteriorated the environment by polluting waterways and producing greenhouse gases as well as the unnatural and overcrowded conditions that livestock now live in. The paper also mentions the additional health problems that humans will encounter as we eat the products from these farms and fill our bodies with unnatural bi-products. In closing, the author urges the public to stop destroying the environment by overconsumption and to support free range farmers.
From the Paper "The United States livestock industry is certainly not the shining example of how animals should be treated, but it is certainly a vital part of agriculture in this country. There has been a major shift in the way livestock is produced and grown in the last several decades. Small family farms have been replaced by large corporately owned factory farms. These new age farms have caused major problems for our environment, our health, and our animals. Huge factory farms have become the predominant method of raising livestock, and the crowded conditions in these facilities have caused water and air pollution, caused health problems, and caused harm to overall public health. There is no doubt that these farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for our increasing demand, but these ways are simply not healthy for humans, animals, and the earth."
Abstract This paper discusses the effect on agriculture on changes in fuel costs, the market economy, and technology. It notes how changes in the external environment have affected the way those in agriculture do business and so the prices charged at the market, adding to costs or reducing them, depending on the nature of the change and the way farmers are able to respond.
From the Paper "Agriculture is like any other sector of the economy and is affected by many of the same forces, including changes in fuel use and fuel prices, the market economy, and technology. The first of these forces is in the news now as agriculture has to raise its prices to cover higher fuel costs for farm machinery and for delivery costs. The nature of the economy affects agriculture by raising prices for other goods, which also can cause farmers to raise their prices to stay ahead of inflation. New technology can be both a capital expenditure to buy what is needed and a boon by increasing production and reducing costs over all. Such changes in the external environment have affected the way those in agriculture do business and so the prices charged at the market."
Abstract This paper examines the economic and ecological advantages and disadvantages of relying on a. a small number of genetic variations of major crops and livestock, b. genetically modified foods, and c. perennial food crops in agricultural practices today. Reasons for support and/or opposition of each are outlined particularly in the developed versus developing countries."
From the Paper "Over this century it will become even more difficult to meet the basic requirements that the people of the world need to survive. A balanced diet, clean water and shelter are the basic requirements that a great part of the world's population is struggling to meet. The exponential growth of the world's population, the fragile environment, the overuse of land for grazing and crop production and pollution and just some the causes that have brought about a crisis resulting in the fact that in "1996 an estimate 840 million of the world's people did not get enough food to thrive" (Raven et al., 1998). "
Abstract While the Canadian agriculture industry may not have the prominence of other sectors of the Canadian economy, such as the automotive or aerospace industries, it remains a significant element of both the Canadian domestic and export sectors. This essay demonstrates that this industry is a not only a major employer, but its health and expansion are critical elements in Canada's global economic position.
Abstract The paper relates that pesticides have been used for decades as a way of eliminating pests in order to protect crops. The paper discusses how many critics have called for stopping the use of pesticides because of perceived dangers. The paper maintains that some forms of pesticide may be needed to protect the crops and add to the yield, but reducing the use of pesticides as much as possible is better for the environment and for the consumer in the long run.
From the Paper "Americans largely accept the use of pesticides because they are told that pesticides are safe, though the sheer volume of pesticides used each year can be alarming as more than two million pounds of these poisons are added to the environment annually. These chemicals are found not only on food but in the water supply, with one of every ten drinking water wells in the U.S. affected along with thousands of lakes, rivers, and waterways across the country. The primary source of water pollution in the country is agriculture. At least 38 percent of the food supply contains pesticide residues, and many food items may have more than one pesticide, and as many as twelve (Meyerhoff, 1993, para. 8)."
Abstract Public policy in Canada is something that generally causes the eyes of most Canadians to glaze over in boredom. Yet the manner in which public policy is administered will greatly determine the welfare of millions of Canadians. This paper examines the mission and or mandate of Agriculture Canada and reviews the laws and or regulations governing its conduct.
Abstract This paper details the harm that U.S. businesses cause to the environment and freshwater systems in America. The writer of this paper shows some of the steps that have been taken in attempts to curtail the destruction of the environment by American business industries. This paper also probes the recently emerged reports that the nation's water system is being polluted by the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on the environment.
Topics covered in this report include:
Introduction
125 Groups Prod EPA to Protect Our Water
Pesticides in Streams of the United States-Initial Results from the National Water-Quality Assessment Program
More Waters Test Positive for Drugs
Dredging Churns Up Toxic Chemicals
Long-Term Ecosystem Response to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Dishonorable Discharge: Toxic Pollution of America's Waters
Summary of State Water Quality Laws Affecting Agriculture Fables of Federal Regulation
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Increasingly, one can find evidence of the harm that American businesses do to freshwater systems in the country in government, scholarly, and news publications. A number of such publications are summarized below in an attempt to show that, in the arena of freshwater systems in the United States, the changes that are slowly being made to policy and practice are not yet enough to counteract the destruction of these systems by factories and other holdings of American industry and business."
Abstract This paper explains how unhealthy environments can effect you and what to do when these things happen. This paper is based on an article by authors Taylor and Repetti called:" What is an unhealthy environment and how does it get under the skin?" This paper is a summary of the article and talks of different circumstances dealing with unhealthy environments which could severely effect one's health.
From the Paper "According to Taylor and Repetti, unhealthy environments can have several effects on you and the atmospheres that surround you on a daily basis. Furthermore, these unhealthy environments can cause diseases of lifestyle such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease as well as chronic illness such as health behaviors."
Abstract The writer of this informative paper defines and explains the concerns and goals of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) which is applicable to all employers and their employees in the U.S. as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This paper analyzes the Federal OSHA standards which are categorized into four main groups comprised of general industry, construction, maritime and agriculture. This paper examines those individuals and industries which are exempt from OSHA's requirements and regulations including self-employed individuals and farms which employ only family members of the actual owner. This paper details the various conditions employers must adhere to when complying with OSHA's standards and regulations. The writer contends that the adherence to the standards may incorporate ensuring that employees are supplied with the necessary safeguards and tools to guarantee their personal safety and health. This paper also delves into the legal rights of both the employer and employee in matters pertaining to OSHA.
From the Paper "The Federal OSHA standards are categorized into four major groups such as general industry, construction, maritime and agriculture while some standards are particular to just one category others are applicable across industries. The regulation necessitates the employer to grant the employee access to any medical records the employer maintains with regard to that employee, incorporating any records about the exposure of employees to toxic substances. The standard of personal protective equipment requires the employers to extend the employees with personal equipment devised to safeguard them against some hazards. The equipment can extend from safeguarded helmets to avoid head injuries in construction and cargo transportation work, to protect the eyes, safeguard the hearing capabilities etc. The California Legislature enacted the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 in order to ensure the workers safe and healthy working environment for all Californian working men and women."
Abstract This paper discusses the debilitating effects of Goa's mining industry on health, the environment and economic stability in the area. It presents a project proposed by Dr. Ligia Noronha of the Western Regional Centre of the Tata Energy Research Institute, which aims to strike a balance between economic growth, ecological preservation and human development. The paper also suggests the option of implementing an accountability system that places both the government and the mining companies under the scrutiny of international bodies such as the World Bank. To conclude, the paper advocates combining Dr. Noronha's project proposal with the supervision of the international community for the long-term initiative.
Table of Contents:
Statement of the Problem
The Objectives of the Project
Alternative Options
Analysis of the Options (Pros and Cons)
Recommendation to IDRC Vice-President (Justification for Course of Action, Comparison of Different Options)
Appendix: Summary Table
From the Paper "The objectives of the project spear-headed by Dr. Ligia Noronha of the Western Regional Centre of the Tata Energy Research Institute are manifold. At its core, the proposed sustainable development initiative seeks to encourage the striking of a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation/human development. The project (which appears to be in its incipient stages) has already developed a series of evaluative tools which will allow for the measurement of community and ecological well-being in the region over time so that greater (and presumably more expeditious) participation and conflict resolution can be undertaken as issues arise (Conway, 2; please see summary table for a list of the three tools identified by the project leaders as practicable and effective). Proceeding further, there can scarcely be any question that the project also seeks to unify all stake-holders around the idea that each of them must work with all of the others in order to see to it that the environmental, social, and economic potentiality of the region is reached (Conway, 2)."
Abstract Environmentalists argue that trade liberalization harms the environment. The decisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO), in particular, have been the subject of much criticism. This paper looks at the assertions of many environmentalists, using the work of Robert J. Carbaugh, among others, as a source. Three of the main assertions discussed are whether trade liberalization leads to a "race to the bottom" in environmental standards; trade liberalization conflicts with morally-conscious environmental policies; and, finally, trade liberalization encourages trade in products that create global pollution or "pollution havens".
From the Paper "Factory farming brings with it more pollution in every respect, for example, than sustainable agriculture. Factory farming uses toxic components to protect crops from pests and applies inorganic compounds to help the plants grow. In addition, the product of factory farms cannot be sold locally, so there is additional environmental pollution because of the long-distance hauling required. And that would be true for any product: if one is producing large amounts in one locale and moving smaller amounts to hundreds or even thousands of disparate points, then the opportunity"even the necessity"for creating environmental damage is greatly enhanced. Liberalizing trade agreements, by their very nature, impel production increases in far-flung locations."
Abstract This paper examines the pollution problems facing Las Vegas. The author argues that Las Vegas has in the past violated major health standards and has been the major culprit in air pollution. This paper analyses how the city of Las Vegas can address the problem. Included is an analysis of health risks to the local population, risks effecting the environment, as well as economic and political issues relating to the problem.
From the Paper "Next to the famously smog-clogged Los Angeles, Las Vegas is one of the most polluted cities in the United States. (Clean Fresh Air.com) In fact, according to the EPA, Las Vegas was the only city in the entire country that violated all the federal health standards for the three major types of air pollution between 1989 and 1998. The prime culprit was dust from construction and unpaved roads and lots. This statistic is particularly shocking when one considers the fact that on a national basis, the levels of all six federally regulated pollutants decreased between 1989 and 1998. (?EPA Reports Las Vegas Violated Air Pollution Standards.?)"
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the industrial revolution and its effects on agriculture. The paper reviews the pre-industrial history of agriculture as well as the sweeping changes within the agricultural sector during the eventful period when the manufacturing sector was being transformed by a wave of technological innovation. The paper concludes by noting how inextricably linked are agricultural change and technological change.
