Growing pains
Article Abstract:
Agriculture has become more intensive, specialised, and bigger since 1945The industry employs 1.3 billion people, and its output has risen by 25% in 40 years to 2000, with a 10% rise in land use, and a 90% rise in the world population. Farmers have to produce cheap food, and bear in mind consumer health, animal welfare and environmental issues, and face constraints that affect their ability to respond to the market. Seed and agrochemical companies have been affected by consumer resistance to new genetically modified foods. Vertical integration has affected poultry and pig producers. There are concerns about food quality which have been related to animal feed.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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Trust or bust
Article Abstract:
US agriculture has been affected by vertical integration, and farmers argue that agribusiness is little affected by antitrust measures, though Monsanto, which has lost an acquisition, of Delta and Pine Land, would not agree. Monsanto also faces legal action over allegations of abuse of licensing arrangements. Iowa State University's Neil Harl argues that anti-trust regulators pay more attention to consumers' needs than the needs of farmers who sell to big companies.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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Survival kits
Article Abstract:
Farmers are seeking to adapt to changes in agriculture, and they are faced with demands that they respond better to consumers' needs, care more the environment, and become more competitive. Farms are growing in size in the OECD, as many farmers leave the business. Co-ops are becoming fashionable again, and are becoming involved in vertically integrated operations from the production of food to processing. They can offer farmers greater participation. Information technology and the internet are also helping farmers to obtain more information to run their farms.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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