Abstract This paper discusses the European Union's recent reiteration of the CommonAgriculturalPolicy (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.
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."
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 CommonAgriculturalPolicy, the current Portuguese agriculture situation, the food retailers and the character of Portuguese Farms. It concludes that agriculturalpolicies 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)."
Abstract The paper looks specifically at the CAP (CommonAgriculturePolicy) 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."
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..."
Abstract This paper explains that one of the major aims of the European Union was the creation of a single market, amalgamating all the members of the European Union into a single entity, by defining a common commercial policy, reducing the economic difference between the rich and poor members of the European Union, and stabilizing the currencies of the E.U members. The author points out that the European Union, contributing 18% of the world's exports, is the world's largest exporter, which exceeds the United States and Japan, both of whom contribute 16% of the world's exports. The paper relates that there is controversy within the European Union pertaining to the difficulties that economically weaker countries face by the terms restricting the trade in services outside the European Union and the use of their more economical labor force to increase their trade outside the European Union.
From the Paper "In addition, the framework of the World Trade Organization with its trade barrier regulations gives the facility to challenge any steps taken by the third world countries that run contrary to the spirit of the rules of balanced trade. The European Union has taken steps to make these measures more effective by reducing the time limit for taking such decisions and also reforming the decision making process in such a manner that makes it no longer possible for a few countries to stand against the will of the majority by blocking the implementation of retaliatory measures. Instruments for countering counterfeiting permit the stoppage of copied or pirated goods to be stopped at the border. In addition the European Union has made arrangements and negotiated agreements whereby the import of some sensitive items is restricted."
Tags: gatt, export, developed, stabilization, power
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, agriculturalpolicies 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."
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. "
A look at the achievements made by the E.U.towards a European refugee policy through a review of Joanne Van Selm's "European Refugee Policy: is There Such a Thing?".
Abstract This paper analyses Joanne Van Selm's working paper "European Refugee Policy: is There Such a Thing?". It discusses how "illegal immigrant", "asylum seeker", "refugee", "economic refugee" are all phrases that tend to create confusion in the minds of E.U. citizens. It looks at how the 25 Member-States barely have a common immigration policy, though they do have a few guidelines for a harmonisation of asylum policy. It is in this context, that the question of the existence of a European Refugee policy is discussed.
Outline:
Introduction
What Has Been Achieved in the EU so Far (From the Schengen Agreement to Now) Does Not Always Take the Right Direction Towards A Common Refugee Policy.
Implementing Agreements on Immigration, Asylum and Refugees in the EU: A Common Approach or 25 Approaches?
The Lack of Political Will of Fortress Europe Does Not Help Shaping a Common Refugee Policy Conclusion
From the Paper "The very way refugee issues are dealt with within the EU is counterproductive, in terms of defence of human rights. VAN SELM explains that "there are [...] more national civil servants [than EU civil servants] dealing with asylum and refugee policy. They are all within the most sovereign control-oriented ministries too (Justice and Home Affairs) [...] Since where you stand is influenced by where you sit, it seems natural that these policy makers would be more likely to guard national interest and defend national policy than to consider the situations in countries and regions around the world, and the most appropriate policy Europe as a whole could pursue in the interest of maintaining stability by guaranteeing protection to refugees." Part of this safeguarding of the national interest would also be the lack of funds granted to refugee issues. If it is true that some EU Member States do "use part of their own overseas development aid to assist refugees in emergency and protracted situations around the world" (p.18), VAN SELM notes that "this is rarely done in a systemic way." Countries like Malta spent their ODA on detained asylum seekers, hence having anything but a refugee policy."
Abstract This paper explains that the European Union's common asylum policy has developed over time and has been influenced by a number of political and economic factors. The author points out that the
EU's position has evolved in response to asylum issues and other emerging concerns such as arms control and human rights violations. The paper relates that thirteen years ago, common European agreement was reached through the Maastricht Treaty, which designated asylum policy as a matter of shared interest to European Union members.
From the Paper "The European Union's common asylum policy has developed over time and has been influenced by a number of political and economic factors. As this development has unfolded, Luxembourg's own position has evolved in response to asylum issues and other emerging concerns such as arms control and human rights violations. Essentially, "as political and economic co-operation has developed between the member states of the EU, the necessity of a common approach to issues such as immigration, border controls and asylum policy has become apparent." (ECRE) Thirteen years ago, common European agreement was reached through the Maastricht Treaty, which designated asylum policy as a matter of shared interest to European Union members. "
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.
Abstract Perhaps no other industry is as dependent upon variables over which it has no control as the agricultural industry is. This paper produces a cross sectional comparison and contrast of three regions in British Columbia: Cariboo region, Peace River, and Kootenay. The paper highlights how climatic factors and soil composition factors impact upon the respective agricultural sectors of the aforementioned areas. In addition to illuminating how areas that are fairly close to one another geographically can still produce astonishing climatic and geological diversity the paper also reveals how primary industries like agriculture take on new shapes in different regions because of the physical feature of the land.
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 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 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."
Abstract What were American policies toward Lebanon between 1945 and Desert Storm, and what were their bases and justifications? Were selfish national interests the main factor or were more egalitarian and humanitarian concerns the basis of US policy? This essay addresses those questions by assessing American policy in Lebanon as well as the common view of this small but strategic country in American eyes.
From the Paper "The "State of Greater Lebanon" was proclaimed by France in 1920 and then significantly enlarged as part of its post-World War I mandate. A new nation based on expansion of the Christian enclave of Mount Lebanon in the Ottoman Empire, Lebanon peacefully achieved its full independence from the French mandate in 1943. The country was destined to travel a strange and unpredicatble path in the ensuing fifty years: a model of stability and Westernism and a center of terror and civil war. In the American mind and heart during the latter part of the 20th century it became difficult to decide if the Lebanese were cultured polyglots or hooded terrorists. The powerful influence of the US in the Arab world after World War II created the need for sound policy based on clear objectives for Lebanon, but for several reasons both pragmatic and emotional decisions resulted. What were American policies toward Lebanon between 1945 and Desert Storm, and what were their bases and justifications? Were selfish national interests the main factor or were more egalitarian and humanitarian concerns the basis of US policy? This essay will address those questions by assessing American policy in Lebanon as well as the view of this small country in American eyes. It argues that the majority of decisions were the result of regional concerns involving the Arabs and Israelis or related to American self-interest and not based on the interests of the Lebanese people."
