Abstract
This paper discusses the European Union's recent reiteration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It discusses the reforms that are currently underway to help reframe the CAP model and promote equitable trade within European agricultural partnerships. The paper also looks at the criticism of these initiative by policymakers and economists and describes the rationale that makes the initiatives necessary.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Initial Rationale
Practices
Policies
Outcomes
Recommendations

From the Paper
"Efficient and equitable functioning under the CAP was not possible under the conditions that existed prior to the reform processes that took place in 2004 and 2005. The outlay of expenses was simply not compensated for in positive economic developments; moreover, social justice, which was a mainstay of the CAP as a means of improving the quality of life for rural and agrarian communities, does not appear to have been met. Salvatici's (2001) "liberalization" model also indicates failure to improve quality of life for the majority of persons, suggesting that abandonment of the CAP is equally as unfeasible as allowing it to maintain its current course of action."

Tags:policy, budget, EU, development, regional

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the European Union's recent reiteration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has resulted in a system of agricultural trade that has cost billions of dollars in subsidies and does not appear to provide any substantial economic return for the majority of participants. Indeed, while the CAP has historically indicated failures in government policy and budgetary excesses, the current CAP model appears to exacerbate these outcomes.

From the Paper
"Reforms are currently underway to help reframe the CAP model and promote equitable trade within European agricultural partnerships; these initiatives are themselves questionable and have been criticized by policymakers and economists as failing to take into account the problems that have persisted throughout the many distinctive forms of CAP. However, as the rationale of the CAP is to create long-term sustainable industry for persons and communities that can rely on farming as a source of income, reform is necessary as opposed to abandonment of CAP altogether."

Tags:union, agriculture

From the Paper
"The European Community needs a policy for agriculture to standardize the method of establishing an equilibrium price for agricultural commodities. Countries choose not to allow free-market pricing of agricultural commodities in order to ensure what the country perceives is a greater public good in the form of farm employment which remains stabilized, to increases in production, preservation of the country's agricultural heritage. The problem is that attempts to regulate the price of any commodity, arrives at a price schedule which is not efficient. This is the case with the prices set by the European Community on farm produce.

Inequalities exist in any market where the price paid by the consumer does not equal the cost of the producer to produce the item. Inequalities may also exist if their is substantial public..."

Tags:AGRICULTURE

Abstract
This paper states that the European Union funding programs did not improve Portugal's ability to competitive with other European Countries in the agriculture market. The paper details the EU Common Agricultural Policy, the current Portuguese agriculture situation, the food retailers and the character of Portuguese Farms. It concludes that agricultural policies will not be enough to slow the transition of the younger generation from farmers into other areas.

From the Paper
"When Portugal entered the EU, it did so from a position of lagging far behind other countries in technology and production methods. Its chief agricultural exports are grain, potatoes, olives, grapes, sheep, cattle, goats, and poultry, beef and dairy products. Only 10% of the country is engaged in agriculture as compared to 60% in services and 30% in industry. As of 1999, Portugal imported more agricultural products than it produced (Eurostat, 2001)."

Tags:common, market, reform, community, support, framework, commodities, hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount, cash-and-carry, stores, retail, distribution, family, migration, restructuring

Abstract
The paper looks specifically at the CAP (Common Agriculture Policy) whose purposes included providing a stable market for food supplies and the stimulation of essential structural change enabling farmers to benefit from economic and social development. The writer discusses the benefits and difficulties with such a plan.

From the Paper
"At a summit of the EU heads of government (Amersterdam, June 1997), efforts were made to reform EU decision-making methods of the Maastricht Treaty and give the EU a "more human face". (Encyclopaedia Britannica Online) as it became evident that there was a growing gulf between the EU political elite and their constituents about the pace and direction of European integration. It was also recognized that enlargement of the EU would not be possible without far reaching institutional reform as it would be impossible to otherwise integrate countries in Central and Eastern Europe seeking or expected to seek EU membership."

Tags:agriculture, plan, economics, policy, market

Abstract
This paper details the birth of the European Union, or EU, as an intergovernmental organization of European countries, considered the most powerful regional organization at present. The chief activity of the EU covers the establishment and administration of a common single market, which consists of a customs union, a single currency called the Euro, a common agricultural policy and a common fisheries policy. The writer of this paper delves into the economies of both Spain and Portugal while discussing the impact of the Euro on both of these countries. Portugal's economy is based on traditional industries, including textiles, clothing, footwear, cork and wood products, beverage, porcelain and earthenware, glass and glassware. This paper details Portugal's inclusion into the EU as well as its impressive showing in Europe's automotive sector and services, particularly tourism, which has played a significant role in reviving this once depressed economy. After joining the EU, the Spanish government continued with its programs of liberalization, privatization and deregulation of the economy as well as tax reforms. Following its membership in the EU in 1986, Spain experienced strong economic growth and trade expansion, which are clearly described in this paper. This paper also contains relevant statistics and data regarding both countries' economies before and after inclusion into the European Union.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Changes in General Performance and Structural Economy
Portugal
Spain
Impact of the Euro on Portugal and Spain
Expectations
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Poverty reduction is a major goal in Portuguese cooperation, which has yet to be sufficiently addressed. In tackling this goal, Portugal places top priority to education and health. Unfortunately, these allocations do not strictly target the poor and there has not been a focus on prominent sector-wide approaches. As to debt actions, Portugal has made higher payments at $126 million in 1999, which was 35% of the total ODA gross disbursements. The DAC average was only 4%. Most of its actions come from defaults on state guaranteed private export credits and loans. Its ICP's strategic role in coordination likewise remains insufficient in minimizing overlaps of aid programmes by the different ministries and other agencies. Operating tools and useful guidelines still have to be developed and evaluations undertaken in a comprehensive and effective way."

Tags:eu, european, union, economy, europe, growth, finance

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in the past few years, international economic issues affecting world poverty, such as farm aid programs, have emerged as a growing concern among federal agencies, farmers and the common taxpayer alike. The writer points out that for the past seventy-five years, federal policy makers have taken an active role in agriculture and notes that every five to seven years, agricultural policies are evaluated and reauthorized through the federal Farm Bill. This paper analyzes the proposed 2007 Farm Bill policies from an economic standpoint related to issues involving poverty. It discusses both the arguments in favor and against the proposed public policy, and concludes with the writer's personal views and recommendations regarding the effectiveness of the Farm Bill.

Outline:
Introduction
Background of the Farm Bill Policies
Arguments in Support of the Farm Bill Policies
Arguments Against the Farm Bill Policies
Recommendations and Personal View

From the Paper
"As a result of the conflicts between poorer countries and the U.S. during failed WTO negotiations, federal agencies have analyzed the proposed changes to the 2007 Farm Bill policies. The proposed changes to the Farm Bill are predicted to be implemented late in 2007, by the WTO. Historically, the U.S. has been and continues to be, the largest food aid donor in the world. The Food Aid program was designed to remedy the problem of world poverty and hunger, as one of the public policies established in the Farm Bill. Although the Food Aid Program has helped address a number of hunger emergencies, the 2007 Farm Bill offers an opportunity to reform the much-needed Food Aid program to increase its effectiveness in addressing the public concern regarding global hunger."

Tags:taxpayer, aid, trade, agricultural

From the Paper
" This paper discusses agricultural subsidies in the United States and the European Community, and their effects on trade between the two trading areas. In this respect, the paper provides a brief overview of the European and U.S. agricultural policies and discusses subsidies in both trading areas and their effects on mutual trade.

Countries engage in international trade because it is a mutually beneficial process. At the macro level, national welfare increases. At the micro level, individual exporters earn profits, provide an additional source of employment, and supply convertible foreign exchange which is used to pay for imported goods and services.

In terms of national welfare and economic common sense, imports are the ultimate rationale for trade. By definition, a.."

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 explains that the trend toward regional economic integration has produced organizations, such as the EU, African Union, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, serving the interests of many smaller nations by allowing them to attain more power in their foreign policy by acting collectively within; however, the key factor among all of the organizations, with the exception of NAFTA ,is that the member nations have comparatively similar economies in terms of GDP per capita, manufacturing sectors, and agriculture. The author points out that, surprisingly, the U.S. has done little to expand its trade relations with the other Western Hemisphere countries; however, the negotiations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the subsequent establishment of a common market in the Western Hemisphere, which be the largest trade group in the world, is one of the most prudent mechanisms for the U.S. to strengthen relations with key allies and propagate its global economic preeminence. The paper relates that the most significant objection, especially by Brazil, involves the agricultural subsidies given to US farmers, which will skew market costs and competition between U.S. and Brazilian farm products.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Free Trade Area of the Americas
Strategy for the Resolution of Disagreements over the FTAA
Geo-Strategic Implications of the FTAA
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In order to revive FTAA talks and lead to a finalization of the agreement, three major areas require important changes: the administrations of the involved nations, the resolution of differences halting negotiations and a concerted effort to curb domestic political resistance to the FTAA. First, recent history has shown that the current administrations in many of the countries involved in the FTAA are unwilling to compromise on conflicting goals. While the Bush administration has made expanding free trade a high priority, its tenuous relations with the Chavez regime will continue to lead to subsequent Venezuelan actions to undermine US efforts. The forthcoming US presidential elections in 2008 or a resolution of the electoral controversy surrounding Chavez could bring a change in circumstances in this arena."

Tags:agricultural, brazil, cuba, venezuela, differences, geo-strategic