U.s. Agriculture And Agricultural Productivity - 1073 Words

In previous decades one of the most evident modifications in U.S. agriculture has remained in agricultural input markets. The exceptional development in yields and agricultural total factor productivity owes much to biological innovations in crop seeds, development of hybrid crops in the early part of the 20th century, with adoption of high-yielding varieties and modern biotechnology. Development of new types of pesticides and seeds has substantially improved agricultural productivity (). Agricultural input markets have evolved and family–owned and other small businesses gave way to larger enterprises that integrated in plant breeding, conditioning, production, marketing, and other functions. The evolution in the industry was coupled with increasing market concentration in seed and chemicals supply, and widespread mergers and acquisitions further shaped the industry. These dramatic changes have raised significant concerns regarding market power and its influence on agriculture , in general (). These mergers are fueled by the need for increased research and development budgets. Agribusinesses are trying to develop crops that are resistant to climate change as temperatures around the world grow hotter and rainfall grows more erratic. They’re also going to have to feed a lot more people; by 2050, projections show there will be 9 billion people living on the earth. This means there is going to be less area to farm. â€Å"The attempted takeover of Monsanto by Bayer is a threat to allShow MoreRelatedConsequences Of Climate Change On Food Systems1342 Words   |  6 PagesThe agricultural sector in the United States contributes largely to both rural and national social and economic development; however, it is greatly affected by climatic changes. As the world population is expected to increase up to approximately nine billion by 2050, climate change affects the stability of food production and poses food security challenges in the US (Hatfield et al. 2014). Smith et al. 2 013, argued that negative impact of climate change on agriculture have a direct impact on globalRead MoreModern Agricultural Biotechnology And Its Potential Usefulness And Effectiveness961 Words   |  4 PagesDebates over modern agricultural biotechnology and its potential usefulness and effectiveness are often characterized by deeply polarized stances. Proponents, which include industry advocates as well as some scholars, tout the benefits of increased agricultural productivity leading to positive outcomes for poor and small-scale farmers, as well as hunger alleviation - while critics outline potential negative impacts of this technological package, highlighting the polarization of agrarian social structuresRead MoreThe Case For Continued Agricultural Trade Liberalization1403 Words   |  6 PagesThe Case for Continued Agricultural Trade Liberalization Alan Blinder once wrote, â€Å"Economists have the least influence on policy where they know the most and are most agreed; they have the most influence on policy where they know the least and disagree most vehemently† (1987, p.1). This maxim is certainly true when the subject in question is free trade. Despite near unanimity among economists as to the benefits of free trade, the general public remains skeptical and politicians regularly play toRead MoreU.s. Relations : Foreign Relations848 Words   |  4 PagesU.S.-Ghana Relations U.S. involvement in Africa in general, Ghana in particular, has shown ebbs and flows according to a broad range of factors including, most notably, political stability, economic growth and safety measures. Probably, Obama s much-hyped visit to Ghana in 2009 is an indication of U.S.-Africa s dynamic relation that has historically been centered on aid. Ghana, a West African country, has witnessed a steady economic growth over recent years, and by virtue of her political stabilityRead MoreAgriculture Is A Vital Part Of Society, And Agribusiness1630 Words   |  7 PagesAgriculture is a vital part of society, and Agribusiness is of course the business behind it. While agricultural needs were different in ancient times, farming was always necessary. With agriculture came the domestication of plants and animals. This domestication allowed the human civilization to flourish. 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I was interested in this career because I have a general interest in agriculture and farming, which isRead MoreEssay on Impacts of Agricutlure on the Environemnt1692 Words   |  7 Pageseffects of agriculture – water and air pollution, loss of habitats and biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, and nutrient losses – have received major attention and continue to persist. En vironmental concerns arise from many agricultural activities and sources including concentrated livestock production, pesticide and chemical use, deforestation, drainage of wetlands, soil erosion from cropland, and the use of fragile lands. Damage to Soil Soil erosion from farmland threatens the productivity of agriculturalRead MoreBusa 3000 Country Paper1518 Words   |  7 PagesThe territorial size of the country is 2,381,740 square kilometers (919,594 square miles) which is more than three times the size of Texas (U.S. Department of State). Algeria has a population of approximately 34.8 million people, which has tripled since 1960 (Google Public Data). Algeria is a republic, having won independence from France on July 5, 1962 (U.S. Department of State). Much like the United States, Algeria has three branches of government. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who has beenRead More Saving American Agriculture Essay982 Words   |  4 PagesSaving American Agriculture American agriculture has changed dramatically since the first days of mechanized equipment and large-scale crop production. â€Å"Many conceived of farming as a rewarding life . . . and a source of moral virtue† (Mariola, 2005). While presently, many view farming as purely economic in purpose. It has been stated that farming in America is decreasing more quickly than any other occupation. Yet, population increases steadily, making agriculture all the more essential. ManyRead MoreThe Rise Of The Mid Size Farmer Essay878 Words   |  4 PagesIn an increasingly globalized world, productivity and efficiency is crucial to the survival of agricultural businesses. Today, a smaller number of farms produce an increasingly larger amount of produce. Since 1920, the average farm size has grown over 300 percent (Ikred). Productivity is at an all time high, and in recent years the U.S. has had a â€Å"tremendous increase in international agricultural trade (Brown, 2011, p. 168).† Fo r consumers around the world, this means cheaper, more accessible food