Comparative Economics of Alternative Agricultural Production Systems: A Review

Abstract

The agricultural policy agenda in the United States, Canada, and in Western Europe has been increasingly influenced by concerns for the sustainability of agricultural production systems. National, state, and provincial governments in North America are becoming increasingly sensitive to the environmental and human-health risks associated with current modes of agricultural production and policy actions, including restrictions on the use of certain agricultural chemicals and inducements to encourage the use of alternative production practices. Many restrictions and inducements have been undertaken or are currently under consideration in many jurisdictions.