Agricultural economists and environmental themes.

摘要

Until now, the contribution of agricultural economists to the definition of policy tools related to the production of public goods has been modest. A sound theoretical-methodological research is needed to give the outcomes of research in this fields a practical relevance so to influence social and policy choices on such a delicate theme as multifunctionality of agriculture or, more in general, on the relationship between agriculture and society. Research should go beyond descriptive instruments such Environmental Impact Evaluation or unsatisfactory models such as Acb. In particular, it is necessary to invest research energies in a systematization of the concept of "quality of life" and on the methodologies of analysis and evaluation of so-called "market failures", and, consequently, to work out operational instruments of economic policy. On this regard, the role of academic societies is important as catalysts of energies, forum for a first formalization/acceptation of the new approaches, and privileged interlocutor for decision-makers.