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Elsevier

Books in Agricultural economics and policy

  • Carbon Incentives, Plans, and Policies in Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • Ram Swaroop Meena + 3 more
    • English
    Economic incentives intended to catalyze environmentally responsible behavior have assumed a central role in confronting climate change, food insecurity, and natural resource degradation. Notwithstanding their promise, many programs underperform owing to methodological gaps, limited transparency, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Carbon Incentives, Plans, and Policies in Agriculture undertakes a critical appraisal of these constraints and advances evidence‑based propositions for strengthening carbon credit mechanisms across agricultural systems and value chains.The volume assembles a globally diverse authorship to synthesize emergent strategies and forward trajectories in carbon financing and monetization, green accounting, ecological and environmental economics, and carbon credit trading, while situating these within the broader sustainability imperatives of agroecosystems. Distinctive emphasis is placed on measurement and methodological rigor, including quantification protocols, MRV frameworks, and domain‑specific estimation approaches for soils, croplands, grasslands, and agroforestry, together with field-level interventions (e.g., energy and water use efficiency, best management practices, and green manuring) and technological enablement (notably, AI-supported assessment). Integrating scientific, policy, and economic perspectives, this book furnishes a conceptual and operational foundation for scholars, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers seeking to design effective, transparent, and equitable governance and planning protocols for a low‑carbon agricultural transition.

  • Agriculture Toward Net Zero Emissions

    • 1st Edition
    • Sandeep Kumar + 1 more
    • English
    Agriculture Toward Net Zero Emissions explores how agriculture has historically contributed to carbon emissions and then takes the reader forward, offering insights into an integrated approach to reducing those emissions toward the COP26 goal. The dual challenge of increasing production to meet population and nutrition food demands while reducing the traditional emissions generated by production practices is significant. It requires understanding the foundation of current practices and then revising those underlying principles to reflect the resources and greater insights of today.This book provides an overview of the current state of the science, explores the development of policies and plans to improve carbon management, and provides examples of technology and agroecosystem management practices. It includes the latest updates in carbon neutral farming, carbon and energy management, and addresses the knowledge gap between input management, livestock management and agroecosystem management.Advancing agroecosystem science through a roadmap for improving capacity, Agriculture Toward Net Zero Emissions is a valuable resource for those seeking to develop and apply new agricultural best practices.

  • Handbook of Plant-Based Meat Analogs

    Innovation, Technology and Quality
    • 1st Edition
    • Gokare A. Ravishankar + 3 more
    • English
    Handbook of Plant-Based Meat Analogs: Innovation, Technology and Quality presents the growing opportunities and challenges of meat substitutes from plant-based resources. Addressing core topics from source ingredients to consumer acceptance, it provides a comprehensive starting point for those seeking to explore sustainable meat alternative products. To date, the full potential of plant-based meat products has been underexplored, underutilized, and underrepresented.Thi... book provides the most up-to-date information on plant-based meat analogs, sources of ingredients, industrial processes, large-scale production, and health benefits, including safety and regulatory aspects and environmental implications.

  • Cellular Agriculture

    Technology, Society, Sustainability and Science
    • 1st Edition
    • Evan D. G. Fraser + 3 more
    • English
    Cellular Agriculture: Technology, Society, Sustainability and Science provides a state-of-the-art review of cellular agriculture technologies. From cell selection to scaffolding and everything in-between, this book contains chapters authored by leading cellular agriculture researchers and product developers across the world.Driven by consumer desire for sustainable food production, animal welfare improvements, and better human health, companies around the world are racing to engineer alternative protein products with the best flavour, appearance, and texture. A major challenge many of these early-stage companies struggle with is having the foundational science and technical knowledge to start their journey in this emerging industry. This text provides detailed information on the current state of the science and technology of cellular agriculture. It combines the social aspects that need to be considered to create a level playing field to give each emerging idea the best chance at realizing the ultimate vision of cellular agriculture: satisfying the demand for protein around the world in a way that is better for humans, animals, and the planet.This is the first resource of its kind to take a practical approach to review the design, feasibility, and implementation of cellular agriculture techniques. With additional chapters on life cycle analyses and ideal transition scenarios, this book provides a resource for aspiring technology developers and academics alike, seeking evidence-based assessments of the industry and its disruptive potential.　

  • Conservation Policies for Agricultural Biodiversity

    A Comparative Study of Laws and Policies
    • 1st Edition
    • Lekha Laxman + 1 more
    • English
    Conservation Policies for Agricultural Biodiversity: A Comparative Study of Laws and Policies focuses on the challenge of securing the ecological future of the planet and its inhabitants by exploring the Convention of Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing and WTO laws, such as SPSS, TBT GATT. This book demonstrates how the urgent problem of biodiversity loss can be addressed by challenging notions of national self-interest and security for the purpose of implementing policies that will benefit humanity and, more importantly, ensure the future of our planet.

  • Policy Issues in Genetically Modified Crops

    A Global Perspective
    • 1st Edition
    • Pardeep Singh + 4 more
    • English
    Policy Issues in Genetically Modified Crops: A Global Perspective contains both theoretical and empirical evidence of a broad range of aspects of GM crop policies throughout the world. Emphasizing world agriculture production and ethics of GM crops, the book balances insights into the various discussions around the use of GM crops including soil health, effects on animals, environmental sustainability impact, and ethical issues. The book presents aspects of GM crop policies and prevailing controversies throughout the world, in 5 sections containing 23 chapters. Beginning with the discussion of the policies related to GM crops, the book dives deep into issues related to food insecurity, agricultural sustainability, food safety, and environmental risks. Section 5 also captures the recent advances in agricultural biotechnology encompassing research trends, the nano-biotech approach to plant genetic engineering, and other transformation techniques in crop development. The contributors of the book represent different backgrounds, providing a holistic overview of diverse approaches and perspectives. Policy Issues in Genetically Modified Crops: A Global Perspective is a valuable resource for researchers in agricultural policy and economics, agricultural biotechnology, soil science, genetic engineering, ethics, environmental management, sustainable development, and NGOs.

  • Bio-economy and Agri-production

    Concepts and Evidence
    • 1st Edition
    • Dionysis Bochtis + 3 more
    • English
    Bio-Economy and Agri-Production: Concepts and Evidence bridges the knowledge gap between sustainability and bio-economy aspects of agri-production. It complements traditional perspectives of agri-production with advanced engineering, information and communication technologies recently applied in agri-business. Including knowledgebased agriculture and reflecting sustainability and circular economy principles, the book presents a holistic view of sustainable bio-economy, contributing to the development of integrated agricultural systems. As technology advances, agricultural production management practices are now being called upon to address the need for sustainability in the bio-economy. Bio-Economy and Agri-Production: Concepts and Evidence presents information to broaden the awareness and promotion of practices and technology to reduce the use of inputs, protect health and environment and improve resource-use efficiency. Topics that are addressed include circular economy in agri-business, lifecycle thinking, lean management, agri-chains, green production, and waste management. Bio-Economy and Agri-Production: Concepts and Evidence is a valuable reference for professionals, consultants, and policy making stakeholders in biosystems engineering and agricultural industries

  • Agricultural Extension Reforms in South Asia

    Status, Challenges, and Policy Options
    • 1st Edition
    • Suresh Chandra Babu + 1 more
    • English
    Agricultural Extension Reforms in South Asia: Status, Challenges, and Policy Options is based on agricultural extension reforms across five South Asian countries, reflecting past experiences, case studies and experiments. Beginning with an overview of historical trends and recent developments, the book then delves into country-wise reform trajectories and presents several cases testing the effectiveness of different types (public and private) and forms (nutrition extension, livestock extension) of extension systems. Further, the book provides a comprehensive overview of challenges and constraints faced in formulating and implementing reforms, tying the results into a concrete set of lessons and highlighting areas that require further research. In addition, the book discusses how a major aspect of agricultural development is the productivity increase from the knowledge base of farmers, and how translating research results into a knowledge base for farmers requires designing and implementing well-functioning extension programs.

  • Agricultural Law and Economics in Sub-Saharan Africa

    Cases and Comments
    • 1st Edition
    • Frederick Owusu Boadu
    • English
    Agricultural Law in Sub-Saharan Africa: Cases and Comments introduces the subject of agricultural law and economics to researchers, practitioners, and students in common law countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and presents information from the legal system in Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The law and economics approach entails the use of quantitative methods in research. This is consistent with the expectations in an applied economics field such as agricultural economics. Covering the general traditional law topics in contracts, torts, and property, the book goes further to introduce cutting-edge and region-relevant topics, including contracts with illiterate parties, contract farming, climate change, and transboundary water issues. The book is supported by an extensive list of reference materials, as well as study and enrichment exercises, to deepen readers’ understanding of the principles discussed in the book. It is a learning tool, first and foremost, and can be used as a stand-alone resource to teach the subject matter of agricultural law and economics to professionals new to the subject area as well as to students in law school, agricultural economics, economics, and inter-disciplinary classes.

  • The Economics and Organization of Brazilian Agriculture

    Recent Evolution and Productivity Gains
    • 1st Edition
    • Fabio Chaddad
    • English
    The Economics and Organization of Brazilian Agriculture: Recent Evolution and Productivity Gains presents insights on Brazilian agriculture and its impressive gains in productivity and international competitiveness, also providing insightful examples for global policymakers. In Brazil, as in many countries, many economists and policymakers believe that agriculture is a traditional, low-tech sector that crowds out the development of other economic sectors and the country. This book shows that this anti-agriculture bias is ill-informed, and with population growth, rising incomes, urbanization and diet changes – especially in developing countries like China and India – on the rise, the demand for food is expected to double in the next 40 years. Brazil has the natural resources, technology and management systems in place to benefit from this expected growth in food consumption and trade. Through real-world examples, the book shows how other low-latitude countries with tropical climate and soils like Brazil – especially in sub-Saharan Africa – can benefit from the agricultural technology, production, and management systems developed in Brazil. Case studies in each of three key categories, including technology, resource management, and effective government programs provide valuable insights into effective decision-making to maximize the effect of each.

  • The Common Agricultural Policy beyond the MacSharry Reform

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 230
    • C. Folmer + 4 more
    • J. Tinbergen
    • English
    The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which is now being implemented, reduces the support for a selected number of agricultural products. This book uses welfare theory and applied general equilibrium analysis to assess the medium to long term consequences of this reform, if the new policies remain in place until the beginning of the next century. It analyses the implications of two alternative scenarios: a) a further trade liberalisation covering all commodities; and b) increased protectionism with high prices, constraints on production and export subsidies (financed by the farmers themselves). The study also investigates the implications of financial renationalisation, whereby the European Union member-states would cover the costs of their own support measures.

  • Agriculture, Growth and Redistribution of Income

    Policy Analysis with an Applied General Equilibrium Model in India
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 190
    • N.S.S. Narayana + 2 more
    • J. Tinbergen
    • English
    This book presents an empirically estimated applied general equilibrium model for India and the analysis of a wide range of policy issues carried out using the model. The various chapters in the book deal with public distribution policies, foreign trade and aid policies, rural works programmes, terms of trade policies, fertilizer subsidy policies and irrigation development policies. These policies are analysed in terms of their immediate and medium term effects on production, consumption and prices of different commodities, on the growth of the economy as well as on the distribution of income among different groups in rural and urban areas and the incidence of poverty in the economy. Each chapter dealing with policy analysis describes the analytical issues involved, the historical context and experience of the policy concerned, results of the model scenarios and the policy insights that emerge.

  • An Introduction to Economics for Students of Agriculture

    • 2nd Edition
    • B. Hill
    • English
    The second edition of this introductory text, for students of agriculture, has been thoroughly updated. The addition of a chapter on government policy and agriculture acquaints students with the aspects of the policy process which has made such an impact in this area. The balanced text describes universal economic principles illustrated primarily by examples drawn from farming and the food industry. At the end of each chapter is an exercise making use of the preceding material, and completion of these exercises forms an integral part of the teaching function of this text. Extended answers to the questions posed in the exercises, a list of essay questions, and suggested further reading are given at the end of the book.

  • Agricultural Policy Formation in the European Community

    The Birth of Milk Quotas and CAP Reform
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 4
    • M. Petit + 5 more
    • English
    Understanding why agricultural policies of developed countries are what they are is critical on several accounts for the developed countries as a group and for individual countries. It is important because the inter-dependencies among national agricultural policies are so numerous, as illustrated by the ongoing agricultural trade confrontation between the United States and the European Community; confrontation that is vividly expressed in the current subsidy war between the two trading blocs. The stakes for developing countries are also very high because the domestic agricultural policies of these two giants have a considerable influence on the international markets of major agricultural commodities.Studying why policies are what they are is an important research issue: legitimate in its own right on scientific grounds and relevant for any institution dealing with agricultural policies. Thus, it is only fitting that an international research institute dealing with food policy should analyze developed country policies and actions. This book is a further development of a research report by Michel Petit, ``Determinants of Agricultural Policies in the United States and the European Community'', published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and is written by a team of eminent European scholars from a variety of organisations called together by Michel Petit and working under his leadership. Concentrating on the policy process in the European Community, this research provides useful insights on the influence of domestic, economic and political factors in shaping the positions of member countries in Community negotiations and on the process leading to a Community policy decision.

  • Subjective Equilibrium Theory of the Farm Household

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 3
    • C. Nakajima
    • English
    It is obvious that most of the agricultural production in the world is under the control of farm households (or family farms). This book aims to translate the characteristics of the farm household as an economic entity, into an economic theory. The book was originally written in Japanese, but various modifications have been made and new information added to the English version. The author defines the farm household as an economic entity which is a complex of the farm firm, the labourer's household and the consumer's household, and whose behavioural principle is utility maximization. The main purpose of the book is to construct a theoretical model of the decision-making behaviour of the farm household. For this purpose the method of subjective equilibrium analysis, which was used by J.R. Hicks for the consumer's household and the firm in Value and Capital, has been applied to the farm household. The major motif of the book may therefore be called ``Hicksian motif''. In analyzing the subjective equilibrium of the farm household, this book extends the Marshallian concepts of consumer's surplus and producer's surplus, by developing the three new concepts of labourer's surplus, self-employed producer's surplus and consumer's surplus. The analyses using the five concepts of economic surplus are the minor motif of the present book, which the author calls ``Marshallian motif''.Another important characteristic of this book lies in the presentation of newly developed theories of land rent. The author has tried to integrate the theory of leasehold tenancy (i.e. fixed rent tenancy) and that of share tenancy with subjective equilibrium theory of the farm household. In his foreword, John W. Longworth of the International Association of Agricultural Economists says ``From time-to-time an academic treatise appears which is truly different. This is one such book. It presents a self-contained normative theory of the farm household which is much more than just an elegant development of Hicksian and Marshallian ideas. Professor Nakajima introduces new concepts and develops a simple model of the farm household. He then extends this model in various ways to examine the subjective equilibrium of farm households under a wide range of economic circumstances. The exposition is clear and logic with each step in the argument explained in detail using both rigorous mathematical notation and easy to follow diagrams... With this book Nakajima is making his Life's Work available to non-Japanese Agricultural Economists. The international profession of Agricultural Economics will be richer for it.''

  • An Introduction to Farm Organisation & Management

    • 2nd Edition
    • M. Buckett
    • English
    The interval between the first and second editions of this book have witnessed significant changes for the food producers of the EEC. They have moved from a period of increasing production to an era of food surpluses and statutory reductions in production. This overall change in the fortunes of agriculture have greatly increased the need for sound business management. This book has been substantially updated to include all the current factors that have to be taken into consideration by farmers, as well as still providing a basic introduction to the study of farm management for students. It should prove invaluable reading to those running farms, whether experienced or inexperienced.

  • Handbook of Agricultural Economics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 4
    • Robert E. Evenson + 1 more
    • English
    Advances in agriculture offer many countries the best and only chance of reducing poverty. Yet economic growth and population increases are driving higher demand for food and rising real prices. What solutions have successfully promoted agriculture? This volume examines national and international food agriculture policies and how they enhance agricultural productivity growth. It provides unique historical reviews on policies and their effects, and it clearly articulates both positive and negative lessons for promoting agriculture lead growth. With chapters written by international authorities, this book recognizes that agriculture is not just about providing food for today, but about growing it in an environmentally sustainable way that can help people work their ways out of poverty.Chapters cover international macro-economic policies and trade, farm structure in developing countries, regional experiences in agriculture, and regional studies on agricultural productivity policies.

  • Agroecological Economics

    Sustainability and Biodiversity
    • 1st Edition
    • Paul Wojtkowski
    • English
    Agroecology is the science of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development, and management of sustainable agricultural systems. Agroecological economics, a subsection of agricultural economics, evaluates the ecological consequences of agricultural methods on the economic scale. Agroecological economics considers green engineering as a means of measurement. As the environmental movement unfolds, the importance of biodiversity and long-term sustainability are indisputable. Progress depends on determining the economic viability of terrestrial agroecosystems. What is lacking is the analysis needed to bring biodiverse and sustainable systems to fruition. Agroecological Economics analyzes the current topics that must be addressed in order to provide sustainable agricultural systems. It explains the economics of land-use ecology with emphasis on changing over from a conventional model of agriculture to environmentally- and ecologically-friendl... models and the financial incentives that are important to these practices.

  • Potato Biology and Biotechnology

    Advances and Perspectives
    • 1st Edition
    • Dick Vreugdenhil + 6 more
    • English
    In the past 15-20 years major discoveries have been concluded on potato biology and biotechnology. Important new tools have been developed in the area of molecular genetics, and our understanding of potato physiology has been revolutionized due to amenability of the potato to genetic transformation. This technology has impacted our understanding of the molecular basis of plant-pathogen interaction and has also opened new opportunities for the use of the potato in a variety of non-food biotechnological purposes. This book covers the potato world market as it expands further into the new millennium. Authors stress the overriding need for stable yields to eliminate human hunger and poverty, while considering solutions to enhance global production and distribution. It comprehensively describes genetics and genetic resources, plant growth and development, response to the environment, tuber quality, pests and diseases, biotechnology and crop management. Potato Biology is the most valuable reference available for all professionals involved in the potato industry, plant biologists and agronomists.

  • Production Rights in European Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • D. Barthelemy + 1 more
    • English
    Rather than simply cataloging the various interpretations of European regulations by Member States, this international team examines the economic priorities, the legal bases, the social norms and cultural patterns which come into play, presenting an analytical approach to the study of production rights in European agriculture.This work traces the emergence and the economic and legal content of the different income support tools for agricultural producers, collectively termed 'production rights' and it looks at the foundations of the specific national conceptions underlying the methods of organising agricultural activity.The book is intended for a varied readership: farmers themselves, of course, but also economic, legal and tax consultants, experts, lawyers, notaries, as well as students, teachers and researchers. It has been set out in such a way as to allow readers to move freely from one subject to another, depending on whether their interest lies in economic aspects or legal developments, or whether they are more concerned by certain production rights or by certain features of their own organisation. The goal of the book is to enable the reader to grasp the special features and the significance of the forces which have shaped the current income support instruments for producers in the various Member States of the EU, and which will unquestionably continue to influence the measures which flow from reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy in the years to come.

  • Agricultural Household Modelling and Family Economics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 10
    • F. Caillavet + 2 more
    • English
    Agricultural households, both in the European Union and world-wide, have experienced important changes during the last three decades. This book covers recent advances both in family economics and in modelling the relationship between the farm-household and the farm-firm. Both theoretical and empirical aspects of Agricultural Household Modelling and Family Economics are also discussed, providing a timely contribution to research in this area.

  • Agricultural Futures and Options

    A Guide to Using North American and European Markets
    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Duncan
    • English
    Agricultural futures and options has been written for the potential and actual users of agricultural futures markets but should also provide a useful introduction to the more academic students of the subject.Divided into three parts, the first examines the North American markets with chapters on Chicago, definitions, hedgers, commodity trading advisors, options, New York and the Winnipeg community.Part 2's study of the European markets looks at soft commodities and the London Fox, the London Grain Futures Market, meat futures, potato futures and soya bean meal futures.Investing and investor protection is the subject of part 3. Guidelines are provided for opening and servicing an account and a further chapter deals with regulation.

  • Valuation Methods and Policy Making in Environmental Economics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 36
    • H. Folmer + 1 more
    • English
    This volume considers, in depth, some valuation methods and aspects of cost benefit analysis, and policy making in environmental economics. Part I contains a number of contingent valuation studies for non-market assets. Part II consists of contributions on the valuation of health and life, and deals with the benefits of reduced morbidity from air pollution control. In Part III, cost benefit analysis for environmental policy-making is discussed in a disequilibrium setting, and in a macroeconomic context. Finally, Part IV deals with aspects of policy-making, particularly benefit estimation for complex policies, and the international aspects of transboundary air pollution in Europe.The book should not only appeal to students and researchers in university departments of economics and ``environmental sciences'' but also to those working in public organisations and associated advisory institutes which are concerned with environmental problems.