Resources and the Environment
Setting the Stage for the Next Farm Bill: No Easy Choices
James Richardson, Guest Editor
The economic and political environment for debating and writing the 2007 farm bill has changed significantly since the 2002 bill was enacted. The changes and their probable impacts on the next farm bill are described by Stephanie Mercier and Vince Smith. Pat Westhoff and Scott Brown present a FAPRI analysis of what U.S. agriculture would look like if the next farm bill is a continuation of the 2002 bill, but with a substantial and real reduction in federal spending. Joe Outlaw and Otto Doering review previous arguments for justifying farm programs and address the question of what are valid justifications for continuation of farm programs. Mike Dicks reviews current land stewardship programs and suggests how a new farm bill that relies on stewardship, rather than price and income, supports would operate.
Agriculture and Trade
Animal Identification
David P. Anderson and Larry Falconer, Guest Editors
A comprehensive animal identification system continues to be a controversial subject. While plans have been developed and put forward, some continue to fight their development. This upcoming theme examines an overview of the issue, animal identification in other countries, legal issues, and some broader perspectives on the issue in the United States.
We are working on future theme coverage on Illegal Immigration, Water Quality, Returns to Research and Extension, and Produce Marketing. See our thematic coverage page for a complete list and planned schedule.
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