Agricultural Science Policy

by Alston, Julian M.; Pardey, Philip G.; Taylor, Michael J.

• ISBN13: 9780801866036
• ISBN10: 0801866030
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-01-26
• Publisher: Intl Food Policy Research Inst

Summary

Agricultural research and development have profoundly increased the quantity and quality of food production in the twentieth century. As populations increase, however, and land and water resources become more scarce, we must improve productivity and efficiency to provide adequate food supplies. Issues such as the environment, genetic diversity, food safety, poverty, human health, animal rights, public versus private responsibilities, and the question of intellectual property rights further complicate this task. Agricultural Science Policy: Changing Global Agendas consists of twelve chapters that describe important issues in agricultural science policy, the relevant facts, current economic thinking, and new results. Topics Include: Changing Global Contexts and Agendas for Agricultural R & D; Productivity Measures and Measurement; Research, Productivity, and Natural Resources; Research for Genetic Improvement; and a Conclusion, which suggests directions for the future. The chapters in this volume will provide researchers and policy makers with a timely review of progress on the existing agenda as well as laying the foundation for a new agenda and new directions for global agricultural science policy in the 21st century. Contributors: Julian M. Alston, University of California-Davis ? Walter J. Armbruster, President of the Farm Foundation ? Peter J. Barry, University of Illinois ? Wilfred Beckerman, University of Oxford ? Derek Byerlee, World Bank ? Barbara J. Craig, Oberlin College ? Robert Evenson, Yale University ? Richard Gray, University of Saskatchewan ? Zvi Griliches, Harvard University ? Paul W. Heisey, U.S. Department of Agriculture ? Frances Homans, University of Minnesota ? Peter Lindert, University of California-Davis ? Stavroula Malla, University of Saskatchewan ? Philip G. Pardey, International Food Policy Research Institute and University of Minnesota ? Prabhu L. Pingali, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center ? Ismail Serageldin, World Bank and the American University in Cairo ? Michael J. Taylor, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Australia ? Greg Traxler, Auburn University ? James Wilen, University of California-Davis ? Brian Wright, University of California-Berkeley. Published in cooperation with the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Author Biography

Julian M. Alston is a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California-Davis where he serves as associate director for science and technology at the University of California Agricultural Issues Center. He is co-editor with Philip G. Pardey and Vincent H. Smith of Paying for Agricultural Productivity, also available from Johns Hopkins. Philip G. Pardey is a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute and an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Michael J. Taylor is secretary of Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. Previously, he served as secretary to the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment; Agriculture, Energy, and Minerals; and Agriculture for the state of Victoria.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	ix
List of Tables	xi
Foreword	xiii
Preface	xv
PART I Changing Global Contexts and Agendas for Agricultural Research and Development
Changing Contexts for Agricultural Research and Development	3	(10)
Julian M. Alston
Philip G. Pardey
Michael J. Taylor
Changing Agendas for Agricultural Research	13	(10)
Ismail Serageldin
PART II Productivity Measures and Measurement
Issues in Agricultural Productivity Measurement	23	(14)
Zvi Griliches
Inputs, Output, and Productivity Developments in U.S. Agriculture	37	(19)
Barbara J. Craig
Philip G. Pardey
Cereal-Crop Productivity in Developing Countries: Past Trends and Future Prospects	56	(29)
Prabhu L. Pingali
Paul W. Heisey
PART III Research, Productivity, and Natural Resources
A Skeptical View of Sustainable Development	85	(16)
Wilfred Beckerman
Measuring Factor Productivity Changes under Regulated Open-Access Resource Use	101	(21)
James Wilen
Frances Homans
Soil Change and Agriculture in Two Developing Countries	122	(39)
Peter Lindert
PART IV Research for Genetic Improvement
The Role of Technology Spillovers and Economies of Size in the Efficient Design of Agricultural Research Systems	161	(26)
Derek Byerlee
Greg Traxler
The Value of Plant Biodiversity for Agriculture	187	(24)
Robert Evenson
Brian Wright
The Evaluation of the Economic and External Health Benefits from Canola Research	211	(30)
Richard Gray
Stavroula Malla
PART V Conclusion
Directions for Agricultural Research and Development Policy	241	(8)
Walter J. Armbruster
Peter J. Barry
References	249	(24)
Contributors	273	(4)
Index	277