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Arguments of Agriculture

Arguments of Agriculture

A Casebook in Contemporary Agricultural Controversy

by Jan Wojcik

142 Pages, 5.50 x 8.50 in

Paperback
9780911198997 | Published: June 1989

$26.95

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The Arguments of Agriculture presents the major issues, questions, and conflicting opinions of influential policymakers and critics concerning the role and future of modern agriculture. Today, while modern farm tools and chemicals take huge and unprecedented yields from those fields, they often cause an equally unprecedented loss of topsoil. Increased productivity has reduced the farming population drastically, and economic realities force many small farms out of business. A growing international market for food and fiber puts mounting pressure on farmers all over the world, even in traditional cultures, to use ever more sophisticated techniques to push their productivity higher—with new risks. Under this kind of pressure, the basic question about farming splits into several ones. There is a multitude of contradictory answers. The author urges the reader to weigh and consider all positions and supplies a primer in the basic arguments of agriculture. Each chapter begins with a series of hypothetical cases that illustrate the range of theoretical issues discussed in the chapter. The next section analyzes the basic issues, and the section entitled "Review" summarizes and contrasts the opinions of a number of prominent critics. Each chapter concludes with a list of recommended readings.

Preface
Introduction: The Argument with Land
Chapter 1: The Nature of Agriculture
Chapter 2: The Principles of Agriculture
Chapter 3: The Policies of Agriculture
Chapter 4: Agricultural Techniques
Chapter 5: Food across the Border
Index

". . . a well-written and well-informed introduction to the major issues and points of view currently under discussion throughout agriculture and agriculture research, both in the U.S and around the world . . . . Particularly noteworthy are the “cases’ which Wojcik discovered or constructed to lead off his chapters: they highlighted clearly the fact that 'the arguments of agriculture’ press in on real-world problems and decisions." —Jeffrey Burkhardt

"The Arguments of Agriculture is a delightful read for both the specialist and the person just getting to know the increasingly contested terrains of agricultural policy and ideology. The approach is even-banded, insightful, and faithful to diverse claims." —Frederick H. Buttel

"Its well-planned format makes the book particularly useful for studying the philosophy, sociology, or economics of agricultural industry, as well as for environmental studies. —Environmental

"I believe all who read this book will find themselves reevaluating their own concepts regarding the current nature of farming and of agriculture and asking, how should they be in the future. I believe many readers will find it stimulating and that it would be an excellent sourcebook for seminar or capstone courses." —NACTA Journal

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Arguments of Agriculture

A Casebook in Contemporary Agricultural Controversy

Arguments of Agriculture

A Casebook in Contemporary Agricultural Controversy

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