Agriculture

Docs Prescribe a Better Farm Bill

Traditionally, the U.S. Farm Bill has been written largely behind closed doors by powerful members of Congressional agriculture committees and agribusiness interests. But that's changing.

Perennial Crops Key to Bioeconomy's Future, Science Article

Government policies that support an expansion of perennial energy crops for the new bioeconomy will help diversify Midwest farms and bring a series of economic and environmental benefits, according to an article published in the June 15 edition of Science.

The Fair Price Controversy

You wouldn't think that getting paid a fair price for what you produce would be controversial. But in the world of agriculture - this concept is a lightening rod. And we're seeing a storm swirl materialize again around corn prices, as they rise in relation to ethanol demand in the U.S.

Behind the Secret Trade Deal: What About Agriculture?

A new backroom deal on trade by Democratic leaders and the U.S. Trade Representative completely ignored one of the most damaging and controversial aspects of trade deals: agriculture.

Revenue-based Countercyclical Payments. U.S. Policy Disaster Relief?

Revenue-based Countercyclical Payments: U.S. Policy Disaster Relief?

This analysis looks at the USDA's proposal for revenue-based countercyclical payments, whether it fits under WTO rules, and if it is good for farmers.

A Fair Farm Bill

This series of briefing papers takes an in-depth look at policies in the 2007 Farm Bill and how they affect not just farmers but entire rural communities, the environment, our health, immigration and hunger on both a local and global levels.

Sustainable Bioenergy: A Framework for Decision Makers

FAO looks at challenges presented by biofuels, including access, food security, and rural development.

Alternatives to Genetic Modification in Solving Water Scarcity

The theme of the 14th email conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Biotechnology Forum, which took place between March 5 and April 1, 2007, was "Coping with water scarcity in developing countries: What role for agricultural biotechnologies?". The electronic forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture was held on March 29, 2007.

The Farm Bill and Public Health: An Overview

This paper was produced for the WIngspread Conference on Childhood Obesity, Healthy Eating and Agricultural Policy held in March 2007i. It provides background on the Farm Bill, as well as a summary of key issues and interest group priorities that will influence Farm Bill debates.