Articles tagged with Agricultural Policy
A network of seismic instruments has been placed around Panama's Baru Volcano to help detect eruptions and mitigate danger. The Panamanian government funded the instrumentation, completed by the University of Panama's Department of Geosciences, in response to a joint study that revealed the volcano's potential for future eruptions.
The recent boom in ethanol production from corn grain has tightly linked the agriculture and energy sectors. The model predicts that government policies will play a critical role in determining the future of these two sectors.
Families in the US can eat healthily without breaking the bank, with USDA estimates suggesting they could spend less than $189/week on food. The Low-Cost Food Plan provides guidance on affordable meal options rich in fruits, vegetables and milk products.
A recent paper suggests that reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) could be key to addressing climate change. By including REDD in the Kyoto Protocol, developing countries can claim compensation for sustainable forest management, potentially earning $630 million annually.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that limiting refined carbohydrates can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Participants who consumed more refined carbohydrates were 17% more likely to develop blinding AMD than those who consumed less.
A recent study documents significant increases in El Salvador's wooded areas since the 1990s, driven by population movements and remittances. The research found that households receiving foreign funds felt less need to maintain existing fields, resulting in reduced land clearing and forest regrowth.
The European Union's changed policy will negatively affect dairy farmers' income, especially small farms, leading to a decrease in the number of farms. This will result in the disappearance of many small farms, allowing remaining farms to expand and increase production.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $15 million to the Earth Institute at Columbia University to advance scientific research and efforts to end poverty, disease, and hunger in Africa. The grant supports a dynamic strategy for achieving sustainable development in some of the world's poorest countries.
Researchers created a 'Poverty Atlas' using geographic information system applications to visualize poverty-related indicators. The maps provide a visual context for understanding the connection between poverty and geography, including factors like climate, soil fertility, and access to transportation networks.
Researchers at Tufts University's Feinstein International Center aim to improve animal health, trade, and human livelihoods in Africa. They propose independent certification bodies to ensure safe export trade and fair standards for livestock commodities.
Strong evidence shows that higher taxes and restrictions on alcohol availability can reduce Europe's growing burden of alcohol-related harm. However, EU governments are prioritizing vested interests in free trade over public health.
A recent study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals a link between Wal-Mart's expansion and increased poverty rates in local communities. The authors found that the arrival of large retail chains like Wal-Mart leads to the displacement of small businesses, resulting in reduced local leadership capacity.
Adaptive environmental management aims to integrate local community involvement in policy-making and assessment, a concept popular in Europe but only recently tested in the US. The Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico serves as a case study, examining strategies that have improved local acceptability and ecosystem health.
The percentage of US households classified as food insecure rose from 11.2 percent in 2003 to 11.9 percent in 2004, surpassing the official goal of six percent by 2010. Household food insecurity is influenced by unobserved hardships such as medical emergencies, which can divert income normally used for food.
A Canadian institute has defined sustainable agriculture as a key to ensuring economic viability for farmers. The paper recommends using immigration policies to bolster rural communities and suggests levying a small tax on food to support sustainability goals.
A new study using a risk analysis model shows that soft drink consumption from school vending machines has a minimal impact on adolescent body mass index (BMI) or overweight. The authors used publicly available data sets to estimate consumption and found that regular soft drinks have little to no effect on adolescents.
A new approach to studying oil, politics, and democracy suggests that America's oil age may be coming to an end. Researchers are re-examining policy in 50-100 year ranges instead of traditional 5-20 year cycles, pointing to potential decades-long shifts in oil policy.
A Cornell graduate student has been awarded the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leader Award. The winner, Laughlin, will participate in a two-day event in Washington D.C., meeting with Congressional leaders and attending briefings by key government officials. She will also discuss federal programs supporting biological research.
A new study found that Scotland and Wales have adopted a more traditional social democratic approach to public service delivery, prioritizing non-selectivity and professionalism. This has resulted in differences in areas such as healthcare, education, and rural policies, with Scotland taking a more proactive role in areas like agricult...
Researchers found that devolved administrations have acquired more policy-making resources and clearer priorities to influence EU policy, but may face challenges due to civil servant access limitations. The study highlights the growing importance of devolution in UK's EU policy, with potential impacts on agricultural and rural policies.
A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights the need to prevent injuries to children on farms, which have an increased risk of serious and fatal injury compared to children in general. The authors recommend developing effective programs to address this issue, including education, regulations, and technological improvements.
A recent study reveals that desertification is driven by a limited number of recurrent pathways, including regionally distinct combinations of factors and feedbacks. The analysis challenges traditional single-factor explanations and highlights the impact of public and individual decisions on desertification.
Research finds that flood policy shifts are often driven by prevailing attitudes, technological resources and social values, not just crisis responses. Policymakers must consider these complex influences when planning for future events.
The book Challenges for Rural America in the 21st Century examines rural social change, economic transformation, and policy implications. Key findings include unevenly spread gaming benefits, elder care challenges, and the need for rural communities to adapt to a decentralized system.
The study used high-resolution commercial imagery from the IKONOS satellite to simulate future development scenarios in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area. It found a 39% increase in developed land between 1986 and 2000, with significant changes around the Dulles Airport area.
Sub-Saharan Africa must focus on expanding and intensifying smallholder agriculture backed by manufacturing exports to meet Millennium Development Goals. The region's agricultural growth has stagnated for 30 years, making it crucial to address practical challenges facing farmers and private investors.
The McGill Centre for Intellectual Property Policy has received a $3 million grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to examine patent systems and their impact on society. The research aims to inform policy-makers in Canada and globally about how to balance industry interests with societal benefits.
A new report by Penn State highlights the importance of coordinated broadband service access and quality in Pennsylvania's rural areas. The report emphasizes that advanced telecommunications infrastructures are crucial for spurring entrepreneurial activity, creating jobs, and supporting telecommuting workers in rural areas.
The EU's Framework Program invests €17.5 billion in research projects to enhance industry competitiveness and improve citizens' quality of life. European research co-operation expands beyond borders, with partnerships with US and other countries.
The European Commission will present its research policy and funding activities at the AAAS meeting, aiming to create a European Research Area (ERA) with better coordination and cooperation. The EU's goal is to boost competitiveness and improve citizens' quality of life through significant resources mobilized via the Framework program.
Cardiff University academics predict a new foot and mouth disease outbreak due to inadequate funding and lax regulations. The report criticizes the government's handling of previous outbreaks, including 'horribly cruel' slaughtering practices.
Agricultural tariffs average over 40% globally, with dairy products and sugar being heavily protected. The paper advocates for the abolition of export subsidies and curtailment of domestic support to create a level playing field.
A European Union policy overhaul aims to reduce pollution and maintain biodiversity, but scientists struggle to design management strategies for a successful transition. Researchers are exploring the use of diverse plant and soil mixtures to facilitate re-colonization and re-establish natural communities.