Integrating Environmental Decision Making Into a Framework for Farm Policy: Advancing Indicators Programs for Sustainable Agriculture
EPA Grant Number: FP916318Title: Integrating Environmental Decision Making Into a Framework for Farm Policy: Advancing Indicators Programs for Sustainable Agriculture
Investigators: Humiston, Glenda L.
Institution: University of California - Berkeley
EPA Project Officer: McClure, Karen
Project Period: January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006
Project Amount: $109,432
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2004)
Research Category: Biology/Life Sciences , Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Behavioral/Social Sciences
Description:
Objective:Although a great deal of research has been done on agricultural systems and farm policy, past studies have typically focused on narrow slices of the highly complex issue. There is great need for a comprehensive review and analysis of agricultural policies utilizing a multidisciplinary approach. The objectives of this research are to: (1) isolate and evaluate the factors essential for a sustainable form of agriculture; (2) identify indicators that would facilitate ongoing assessments of implementation and goal attainment; and (3) develop a policy framework likely to accomplish a high level of sustainability and gain broad public support.
Approach:Utilizing an extended case study approach, key components of two existing policies will be analyzed for their potential affect on U.S agricultural sector. These are: multifunctionality and environmental services. Multifunctionality recognizes and rewards the benefits—other than food or fiber—that can come from agriculture, yet often go uncompensated in the marketplace, and that can vary tremendously depending on farming practices. Although very similar to the concept of compensating for environmental services as an instrument to change the means of production toward a more sustainable form, multifunctionality incorporates efforts to deal with socioeconomic concerns and needs.
Supplemental Keywords:fellowship, agricultural systems, farm policy, multifunctionality, environmental services, sustainable agriculture, socioeconomic research
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Economic, Social, & Behavioral Science Research Program, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Social Science, decision-making, Economics & Decision Making, Ecology and Ecosystems, Agronomy, socioeconomics, decision analysis, decision making, economic research, environmental policy, agriculture, sustainable agriculture, environmental decision making
Relevant Websites:
2004 STAR Graduate Fellowship Conference Poster (PDF, 1p., 171KB, about PDF)