Agricultural Policy. The Overlooked Essentials. The Gaps between Theory andReality

摘要

Agriculture was one of the earliest focuses of national policy and it contines tobe revisited regularly. In spite of long-term attention, there is apersistent perception that national agricultural policy and related programs are not adequate. The historical context of agricultural policy with its unique legacy, popular misconceptions about agriculture that fail to recognize the complexity of agriculture and the underlying policy issues, plus weaknesses in the policy process all contribute to a failure to consider the essentials of a long-range agricultural policy. Because of acute pressures in a few areas, particularly with regard to producer welfare, and limited pressures or recognition of other essentials, agricultural policy has been too narrowly focused.