Synopsis

Research in this area will develop a science-based capacity to analyze the impacts of demographic change and its impacts on the food and agriculture system. It will provide better insight into the needs and demands of consumers and their concerns about the socio-environmental costs of producing the food and fiber they consume. New methods to assess the benefits and the risks of new technology development will be provided.

This research will enhance the quality of research investment decisions at all levels. New models will be developed that provide decision-makers options for both domestic and foreign policy. The socioeconomic components of broader decision models for both policy and management will bring the necessary balance to biological and physical production models.

The overall research effort will meet the new goals of (1) empowering people to enhance their productivity and well-being, (2) strengthening rural communities and enhancing their economic viability, and (3) improving the system's ability for producing, processing, and marketing food and fiber to meet citizens needs and effectively compete in the international marketplace.

Southern Synopsis The South has a disproportionate share of rural population and rural poverty. In addition, ethnic, cultural, and economic conditions in the rural South make issues of family well-being and rural job creation important to the region. Economic and social science research is needed to address the vulnerability of Southern natural resources to environmental degradation and the sensitivity of Southern farming to environmental and regulatory policies. GATT and NAFTA offer special challenges to the South since the region s commodities are closely tied to global pricing and trade. Consistent quality in Southern agricultural products will enhance competitiveness in inter-national and domestic markets.

Base Program Dynamics

In response to rapidly changing technology and expanding global markets in agriculture during the 1980s, research on social and economic issues concentrated on marketing and trade development. This was a significant move away from earlier research addressing the production inputs or the postharvest issues of distribution and pricing.

Beginning in 1990, federal special grants to support agricultural policy studies have led to renewed interest in rural people and communities, growing complexity of farm systems, and increasing regulatory requirements. These analyses are delivered by multidisciplinary teams of researchers organized to provide quick response to questions and independent perspectives on issues. This research incorporates advances in social and economic modeling, systems theory, and data management.

ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL ECONOMIES

• Sustainable Ecosystems
• Synergy at the Agriculture-Urban Interface
• Risk Management
• Next Generation of Foods
• Integrated Pest Management
• Global Competitiveness

Impact
Research that provides alternative policies for coping with a changing marketplace supports effective policy decisions that enhance the well-being of consumers, families, and the economy. Analysis of domestic and international markets is essential for increased trade and sustained farm incomes in an environment of reduced federal spending for agriculture. Better understanding of the linkages among the general, regional, state, local, and farm economies provides the foundation for formulating policies to enhance economic growth and to stimulate rural community development.

As new technology emerges, research in this initiative will develop and use new methods to assess its economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits, including its impact on national and international production patterns.

Southern Relevance Policies and programs exist that impact the many sectors of Southern agriculture, which are heavily dependent on export markets and federal commodity support. Policies are needed to ensure sustainable use of Southern natural resources with technological and regulatory changes are needed. Research in these areas will increase the competitiveness of Southern commodities, improve the use of agricultural resources, and improve understanding of alternative farm policy options and the benefits and problems associated with new technologies.

Objectives

• Determine consumer demands and concerns. Determine factors affecting consumer demands for agricultural commodities and products to improve human well-being, such as food choices, nutritional status, and health.

• Enhance U.S. global competitiveness. Analyze factors that influence U.S. competitiveness in global markets and analyze alternative policies to modify these factors to the advantage of U.S. agriculture.

• Provide alternative farm policy options. Analyze the economic and social impacts of alternative farm policies and regulations on consumer prices, reasonable net farm income, environmental concerns, viable rural communities, global weather variability, and federal budget constraints.

• Increase the adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies. Determine the barriers to the adoption of new agricultural technologies and innovations, especially the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

• Determine economic and social impacts of technology. Identify and analyze economic and social impacts of technological change and corresponding risk on different stakeholder groups, including consumers, producers, input suppliers, processors, and international traders. Quantify the implications of new technologies, such as computer and other communication technologies, biological innovations, and production technologies for policy decisions, global competitiveness, structure of agriculture, viability of rural communities and family farms, and changes in traditional institutions.

• Develop profitable technologies and systems. Determine the potential profitability of production, processing, and distribution technologies that are environmentally sound and socially acceptable.

ENHANCE RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

• Synergy at the Agriculture-Urban Interface
• Waste Management
• Integrated Pest Management
• Global Competitiveness

Impact
More than 1/4 of all Americans live in rural communities and the number is increasing. The definition of rural America is diverse and changing. Towns of 50,000 populations or less which surround metropolitan areas are preferred residences by many people for the community atmosphere which supports family life. Economies of these communities are often service-based. Many other rural communities once sustained by production agriculture and related main street service industries are not at risk economically.

If rural America is to be a productive contributor to the U.S. economy, as well as a preferred home to many of our citizens, we must better understand the factors which constitute a viable community.

Southern Relevance The Southern Region has the largest rural population with the most diverse demographic characteristics. Global competition greatly affects rural jobs in the South. The region has the greatest concentration of persistent rural poverty. Southern rural communities continue to change with the increased focus on production agriculture as a business enterprise. Economic and social science research will help develop new strategies for rural development, evaluate the consequences of alternative rural policy proposals, improve rural leadership, and provide policy-makers with a better understanding of the forces driving rural economic change.

Objectives

• Analyze relationships among the general economy, agriculture, communities, and families. Analyze the effects of policy changes and influence of the general economy on U.S. agriculture through the regional/state/local economies to the economic viability of communities and families. Quantify the linkages and relationships from the macro economy to the micro components. Trace the impact of agriculture and other economic activities in rural areas on the well-being and quality of life for rural communities.

• Provide strategies for infrastructure development. Develop and evaluate new strategies to provide community infrastructure and basic human services, including communication systems, education, workplace support systems, health care, housing, public safety, transportation, and conflict resolution capacity for rural vitality.

• Analyze public policy impacts. Analyze public policy options for strengthening communities, including investigation of differential social, economic, environmental, and other impacts on various population sectors. Special focus on maintaining private property rights for agriculture and forestry production.

• Enhance entrepreneurship and job creation. Develop alternative processes rural communities can use to enhance entrepreneurial skills, create jobs, and diversify their economies.

• Develop viable industries based on agriculture and renewable resources. Determine the economic viability of local industries based on alternative uses of agricultural and renewable resources and develop appropriate technology to support these industries.

EMPOWER PEOPLE FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL VIABILITY

• Synergy at the Agriculture-Urban Interface
• Risk Management

Impact
The effective functioning of the American people is a primary factor in determining the efficiency of our markets and the general condition of our society. Americans must confront increased economic and social uncertainties as they strive to enhance their productivity, well-being, and contribution to society. They must also interact with more complex products, services, and market practices in their daily lives. The ability to function effectively within this environment will determine the extent to which individuals minimize risk and attain economic independence and a satisfactory quality of life. Those unable to cope due to educational deficiencies and poverty create a drain on revenues and rob the nation of its productive capacity. This research will generate information needed for decision-making, resulting in more effective economic and social policy to resolve societal problems, especially as it regards rural families and communities.

Southern Relevance Demographic and economic change in the rural South has intensified the need for research that helps people make decisions and take actions to improve their quality of life. Empowering people and businesses to make more effective decisions is especially critical for the South, which has areas of rural decline, concentrations of persistent rural poor, and changing population dynamics.

Objectives

• Develop data on family economic and social viability. Analyze influences on individual skills development within various household types and the life course of household members. Determine the impact of family interaction patterns, information acquisition, and resource management practices on family economic and social viability. Assess the interactions among technological changes, family functions, and adaption patterns. Enhance our understanding why some families are more capable than others in managing and recovering from hardships and catastrophes.

• Evaluate the impacts of policy on at-risk populations. Assess alternatives for evaluating the impacts of policy and other socioeconomic forces on at-risk populations, including children, youth, the elderly, and migrant workers.

• Assess strategies for work force education. Assess educational strategies to enhance worker safety, work-related competencies and leadership skills. Develop capable work force and community leaders, especially among the economically and socially isolated.

• Identify effective farm and business management strategies. Compare successful and unsuccessful experiences as a research base for risk aversion by developing management strategies that minimize the problems of developing and sustaining home-based businesses, family farms, and other enterprises.

• Assess technology acceptance. Assess consumer concerns and informational needs, including perceived risks and benefits associated with technological developments, such as biotechnology, food safety, and animal well-being.