Agricultural and Food Policy (6th Edition) [Paperback]

Ronald D. Knutson (Author), J.B. L. Penn (Author), Barry L. Flinchbaugh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0131718738 | ISBN-13: 978-0131718739 | Publication Date: January 20, 2006 | Edition: 6

Drawing on the authors' background in education and policy development, Agricultural and Food Policy, Sixth Edition provides a comprehensive treatment of domestic and international policy setting, process, options and consequences. This book goes beyond the traditional discussion of farm programs, and gets readers thinking in broader terms, by considering the many forces—globalization, technology, food safety, environment—that influence policy change. Taking an unbiased approach, this edition includes more economic theory, a new chapter on government involvement, current policy issues, and a chapter devoted to the future of agricultural and food policy. Informs readers of the most recent policy issues, such as the Doha Round of WTO negotiations, food terrorism, and budget deficits, in an objective manner. Creates an understanding of how U.S. policy affects stakeholders in other countries. Shows the importance of current WTO negotiations to policy outcomes. Gives readers a deeper understanding of the conditions leading to government involvement, the constraints on government involvement, the role of economists and the limits of economics. Explains concepts using graphs and helps readers understand the underlying theory driving policy decisions. Examines the impact of constituency groups and encourages readers to consider the future of agriculture and food policy.  Those interested or involved in agricultural and food policy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The issues in this book are treated in a current context intended to capture the interest of students. Solutions to agriculture problems are not prescribed. Rather, emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the problems, policy alternatives, and their consequences. Economic principles are introduced throughout the book to develop an understanding of how the tools of analysis can be used to provide insight into the economic impact of particular policies. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

The fifth edition of Agricultural and Food Policy provides a timely and comprehensive treatment of current policy issues affecting the food and agriculture industry today. Although this new edition has been completely revised, it still adheres to the basic principles that made it a leader in its field. Recognizing that agricultural policy is broader than farm programs, this book still includes process, international, resource, and food policy components.

Agricultural and Food Policy, fifth edition includes five new chapters: Chapter 1: Forces of Policy Change, Chapter 2: Economic Foundations of Policy, Chapter 4: Geopolitical Center of Influence, Chapter 5: World Trade Organization, and Chapter 12: Future of Agriculture and Food Policy.

Featuring:

• Timely analysis of current issues, even beyond the 2002 Farm Bill, which is useful in evaluating both present and future policy
• Objectivity without advocacy of particular options, which makes readers think about what is best for them, farmers, taxpayers, and society
• Boxed material that provides definitions of trade terms

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 6 edition (January 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131718738
• ISBN-13: 978-0131718739
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #53 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Agricultural Sciences > History

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Shame, November 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Agricultural and Food Policy, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

It's a shame that these respected Agricultural Economists would allow such a poor example of a textbook to be published under their names. While there may be some meagre updates, the book is so watered down that it is probably more appropriate to a high school class than college. In addition, at 54 cents a page, its price far exceeds the price of most other quality books dealing with agriculture. A decent faculty member would never, in good conscience, require that students purchase this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars "Policy Lite", August 11, 2003

By 

Kevin (Macomb, Il United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Agricultural and Food Policy, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

The 4th edition of this text was a truly outstanding edition. It fit the needs of a wider vairety of courses ranging from the traditional Ag Policy course to courses focusing on the environment and rual development. Unfotunately, this is 5th edtion. If the reader wants a "CLiff-Notes" version then this is the text. It lacks the depth and breadth of a decent college textbook. The authors would have served the academic community much better by giving this watered down fifth edition a totally new title while leaving the 4th edition in print.

I have taught Agricultural Policy for a number of years. Count me out on adopting this edition.

2.0 out of 5 stars Ag Policy W/O Economic Analysis, June 21, 2011

By 

shenning - See all my reviews

This review is from: Agricultural and Food Policy (6th Edition) (Paperback)

I used earlier editions of this book extensively to teach senior level agricultural policy. I stopped assigning the book when the 5th edition was published. Most graphical economic analysis had been removed from the book. It supposedly was now geared toward "policy makers" rather than university students. If you want a decent textbook, go for the older editions and update the data as needed.