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• 81. [Article] An economic analysis of land prices of mountainous grazing land in eastern Oregon

  The "unusual" behavior of agricultural land prices is the subject of considerable debate and controversy and is the object of this research. There is little doubt that land prices have been increasing ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An economic analysis of land prices of mountainous grazing land in eastern Oregon Author: Winter, John R. The "unusual" behavior of agricultural land prices is the subject of considerable debate and controversy and is the object of this research. There is little doubt that land prices have been increasing steadily since 1959 and dramatically throughout the decade of the 1970's. However, there is widespread disagreement among economists, appraisers, and other interested parties as to the causes of the dramatic increases in land prices. Net agricultural income is undoubtedly an important factor in the agricultural land market. Yet, land prices have continued to increase in the face of steady and even declining net incomes. Other factors often considered as exerting considerable influences are inflation, pressures from an increasing population, incentives to attain economies of size through ranch enlargement, and capitalization of government farm program "payments" into land values. The objective of this research is to identify the factors that exert significant influence on agricultural grazing land sale prices in two Eastern Oregon counties and to assess the impact of changes in these factors on the selling price of grazing land. A single equation linear regression model is used to identify the factors that have a significant impact on the price of grazing land. The variables determined to be positively correlated to the price of grazing land are the productivity of the land, the price of feeder cattle, inflation, and the assessed value of real property included in the land sales. The price of hay is negatively correlated with the price of grazing land. The inclusion of public land (USFS and BLM) grazing privileges in the sale was found to have no significant effect on the price of grazing land. In addition, purchases for the purpose of ranch enlargement are occurring at lower prices than purchases for ranch establishment. The major limitations of this study are the restrictions placed on the sales that are analyzed and the problem of standardizing a measure of land productivity. The first limitation is defensible given the stated objectives of the study and the need to limit the analysis to a roughly homogeneous class of land sales. The latter limitation prohibits generalization of the results to other areas without appropriate standardization of the measure of land productivity. Title: An economic analysis of land prices of mountainous grazing land in eastern Oregon Author: Winter, John R. The "unusual" behavior of agricultural land prices is the subject of considerable debate and controversy and is the object of this research. There is little doubt that land prices have been increasing steadily since 1959 and dramatically throughout the decade of the 1970's. However, there is widespread disagreement among economists, appraisers, and other interested parties as to the causes of the dramatic increases in land prices. Net agricultural income is undoubtedly an important factor in the agricultural land market. Yet, land prices have continued to increase in the face of steady and even declining net incomes. Other factors often considered as exerting considerable influences are inflation, pressures from an increasing population, incentives to attain economies of size through ranch enlargement, and capitalization of government farm program "payments" into land values. The objective of this research is to identify the factors that exert significant influence on agricultural grazing land sale prices in two Eastern Oregon counties and to assess the impact of changes in these factors on the selling price of grazing land. A single equation linear regression model is used to identify the factors that have a significant impact on the price of grazing land. The variables determined to be positively correlated to the price of grazing land are the productivity of the land, the price of feeder cattle, inflation, and the assessed value of real property included in the land sales. The price of hay is negatively correlated with the price of grazing land. The inclusion of public land (USFS and BLM) grazing privileges in the sale was found to have no significant effect on the price of grazing land. In addition, purchases for the purpose of ranch enlargement are occurring at lower prices than purchases for ranch establishment. The major limitations of this study are the restrictions placed on the sales that are analyzed and the problem of standardizing a measure of land productivity. The first limitation is defensible given the stated objectives of the study and the need to limit the analysis to a roughly homogeneous class of land sales. The latter limitation prohibits generalization of the results to other areas without appropriate standardization of the measure of land productivity. Close

• 82. [Article] Unification decisions of a cooperative consolidation

  Unifications among agricultural cooperatives are becoming increasingly commonplace. This process is prompted by the desire to achieve economies of size, to reduce operating costs, to achieve product diversification, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Unification decisions of a cooperative consolidation Author: Wentzel, Roland Karl Unifications among agricultural cooperatives are becoming increasingly commonplace. This process is prompted by the desire to achieve economies of size, to reduce operating costs, to achieve product diversification, to improve the quality of offered services, to eliminate overlapping memberships, and to achieve marketing and/or bargaining power. Historical data indicate that agricultural cooperatives have become stronger through unifications, but unification is not a sufficient condition for the enhanced economic performance of every unified cooperative. The only valid generalization that can be made in predicting the performance of incipient unifications is that complex, interrelated problems will be encountered. A network diagram is used to clarify and present such activities and events as were completed by a consolidation among five agricultural cooperatives. Examination of this consolidation indicated that no single business function is conspicuously more difficult to unify than any other. Each function is important to the success of the unified entity and each demands managerial attention. However, the resistance of employed personnel to the changes precipitated by unification is the, most pervading source of problems. The most highly interrelated unification event is the selection of the general manager. This may also be the most crucial event since leadership permeates an organization, touching upon seemingly unrelated aspects. In combining the operations of constituent cooperatives, most business functions are related in some fashion to others. Despite these interrelationships, certain functions can be integrated before others with minimal danger of causing grave problems. Problems are best avoided and a rapid unification is best achieved by anticipating what must be done when unifying. The activities which the observed unified cooperative undertook in the course of unifying the operations of its constituent cooperatives are presented in a descriptive network. Yet, merely knowing what must be done is insufficient; one must also understand how unification activities are related as well as each activity's relative importance. These latter conditions are met in part by the prescriptive unification model which employs the PERT technique. Finally, if rapid and effective integration is desired, the relative importance of unification activities is appropriately measured in a temporal context. Transition from independent to unified operation will be most rapidly and effectively achieved by undertaking activities in progressive order as indicated by priority criteria. Title: Unification decisions of a cooperative consolidation Author: Wentzel, Roland Karl Unifications among agricultural cooperatives are becoming increasingly commonplace. This process is prompted by the desire to achieve economies of size, to reduce operating costs, to achieve product diversification, to improve the quality of offered services, to eliminate overlapping memberships, and to achieve marketing and/or bargaining power. Historical data indicate that agricultural cooperatives have become stronger through unifications, but unification is not a sufficient condition for the enhanced economic performance of every unified cooperative. The only valid generalization that can be made in predicting the performance of incipient unifications is that complex, interrelated problems will be encountered. A network diagram is used to clarify and present such activities and events as were completed by a consolidation among five agricultural cooperatives. Examination of this consolidation indicated that no single business function is conspicuously more difficult to unify than any other. Each function is important to the success of the unified entity and each demands managerial attention. However, the resistance of employed personnel to the changes precipitated by unification is the, most pervading source of problems. The most highly interrelated unification event is the selection of the general manager. This may also be the most crucial event since leadership permeates an organization, touching upon seemingly unrelated aspects. In combining the operations of constituent cooperatives, most business functions are related in some fashion to others. Despite these interrelationships, certain functions can be integrated before others with minimal danger of causing grave problems. Problems are best avoided and a rapid unification is best achieved by anticipating what must be done when unifying. The activities which the observed unified cooperative undertook in the course of unifying the operations of its constituent cooperatives are presented in a descriptive network. Yet, merely knowing what must be done is insufficient; one must also understand how unification activities are related as well as each activity's relative importance. These latter conditions are met in part by the prescriptive unification model which employs the PERT technique. Finally, if rapid and effective integration is desired, the relative importance of unification activities is appropriately measured in a temporal context. Transition from independent to unified operation will be most rapidly and effectively achieved by undertaking activities in progressive order as indicated by priority criteria. Close

• 83. [Article] An inquiry into the import demand for fresh American fruit in Hong Kong

  West Coast fruit cooperatives working together in joint-venture trading companies may well lower the prices of their fruit for export through economies of scale. However, present and future foreign demand for ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An inquiry into the import demand for fresh American fruit in Hong Kong Author: Johnson, Martin A. West Coast fruit cooperatives working together in joint-venture trading companies may well lower the prices of their fruit for export through economies of scale. However, present and future foreign demand for American fruit may constrain any economies of scale that are realized in joint-venture agreements. The major objective of this thesis is to analyze the import demand for fresh American oranges, apples, and grapes of one important buying area, Hong Kong. Two theoretical constructs are used to model the import demand for American oranges, apples, and grapes in Hong Kong. One relies on more traditional assumptions of product homogeneity. The other utilizes the Strotzian utility tree. The resulting models are estimated using Ordinary Least Squares. Four conclusions may be drawn from the estimated models. First, Hong Kong consumers have very elastic responses to changes in the prices of American oranges, apples, and grapes relative to the prices of oranges, apples, and grapes from other sources. Second, this result is especially true when below average demand conditions prevail. Hence, lower prices realized through joint-venture trading companies increase the competitiveness of American fruit at these weaker times. Third, the per capita quantity demanded of American oranges, apples, and grapes will increase as the incomes of Hong Kong's inhabitants rise. Fourth, the statistical problems encountered in the larger models preclude any definite conclusions regarding the price effects of other fruit on the demand for American oranges, apples, and grapes or the price effects which the American fruit may have on each other. Title: An inquiry into the import demand for fresh American fruit in Hong Kong Author: Johnson, Martin A. West Coast fruit cooperatives working together in joint-venture trading companies may well lower the prices of their fruit for export through economies of scale. However, present and future foreign demand for American fruit may constrain any economies of scale that are realized in joint-venture agreements. The major objective of this thesis is to analyze the import demand for fresh American oranges, apples, and grapes of one important buying area, Hong Kong. Two theoretical constructs are used to model the import demand for American oranges, apples, and grapes in Hong Kong. One relies on more traditional assumptions of product homogeneity. The other utilizes the Strotzian utility tree. The resulting models are estimated using Ordinary Least Squares. Four conclusions may be drawn from the estimated models. First, Hong Kong consumers have very elastic responses to changes in the prices of American oranges, apples, and grapes relative to the prices of oranges, apples, and grapes from other sources. Second, this result is especially true when below average demand conditions prevail. Hence, lower prices realized through joint-venture trading companies increase the competitiveness of American fruit at these weaker times. Third, the per capita quantity demanded of American oranges, apples, and grapes will increase as the incomes of Hong Kong's inhabitants rise. Fourth, the statistical problems encountered in the larger models preclude any definite conclusions regarding the price effects of other fruit on the demand for American oranges, apples, and grapes or the price effects which the American fruit may have on each other. Close

• 84. [Article] Land trusts in the New West : conserving and responding to local geographies?

  This research focuses on the relationship between the emerging role of land trusts and rapid growth and change in the West. Teton County, Idaho, Teton County, Wyoming, and Sublette County, Wyoming, and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Land trusts in the New West : conserving and responding to local geographies? Author: Loynes, Kathryn This research focuses on the relationship between the emerging role of land trusts and rapid growth and change in the West. Teton County, Idaho, Teton County, Wyoming, and Sublette County, Wyoming, and each of their associated land trusts, are used as case studies. Each county has experienced varying levels of agricultural activity throughout their respective histories, with transformations over time bringing about the current local economies and land use patterns that exist today. Interviews were conducted with land trust staff members and city and county planning officials and integrated with an evaluation of the local geographies of each county (biophysical attributes, population dynamics, industry, policies, and residents' land management preferences) as well as broader scale regulations and economies. The end result of this project demonstrates at local and regional scales how land trusts have become major players in the land use-land tenure equation of Western communities and how their operations are unique to the cultural, physical, and economic-political geographies of their service areas. While the West tends to be lumped together as one large entity with regard to policy decisions and ideas about private property rights, this research reveals a high amount of variation in the processes occurring in and shaping relatively small areas of the Western states -- lending itself to further studies on the interaction between different scales of land patterns in the region as well as how communities are approaching the challenges of New West landscapes. Title: Land trusts in the New West : conserving and responding to local geographies? Author: Loynes, Kathryn This research focuses on the relationship between the emerging role of land trusts and rapid growth and change in the West. Teton County, Idaho, Teton County, Wyoming, and Sublette County, Wyoming, and each of their associated land trusts, are used as case studies. Each county has experienced varying levels of agricultural activity throughout their respective histories, with transformations over time bringing about the current local economies and land use patterns that exist today. Interviews were conducted with land trust staff members and city and county planning officials and integrated with an evaluation of the local geographies of each county (biophysical attributes, population dynamics, industry, policies, and residents' land management preferences) as well as broader scale regulations and economies. The end result of this project demonstrates at local and regional scales how land trusts have become major players in the land use-land tenure equation of Western communities and how their operations are unique to the cultural, physical, and economic-political geographies of their service areas. While the West tends to be lumped together as one large entity with regard to policy decisions and ideas about private property rights, this research reveals a high amount of variation in the processes occurring in and shaping relatively small areas of the Western states -- lending itself to further studies on the interaction between different scales of land patterns in the region as well as how communities are approaching the challenges of New West landscapes. Close

• 85. [Article] A structural description of Oregon counties, 1973-1978

  Local government officials and county planners may find descriptive information concerning the economic structure of each Oregon county useful for planning for future economic development. Specifically, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A structural description of Oregon counties, 1973-1978 Author: Ledeboer, M. Vivian Local government officials and county planners may find descriptive information concerning the economic structure of each Oregon county useful for planning for future economic development. Specifically, citizens of counties and planning districts need to know whether industries in their area are growing or declining and in which industries a comparative advantage occurs. A regional economy is comprised of a mix of industries. Growth (decline) in various industrial sectors contributes to overall regional growth (decline). Numerous factors may account for an industry's growth: high productivity of capital and labor; new technologies which increase output per unit cost; positive labor-management relations which lead to improved performance; and unique locational advantages which may reduce input, transport, or other costs. Prior to identifying the possible determinants of growth in a specific area, a technique which measures the differences in growth rates among regions is necessary. Shift-share analysis is a descriptive tool which permits a systematic assessment of the industrial changes occurring in a region. The shift-share technique determines how specific industries in certain regions are performing relative to the same industries in a larger reference region. The primary objective of the thesis is to apply the modified shift-share technique proposed by Kalbacher [1979] to delineate changes in income in each Oregon county for the time period 1973 to 1978. The Pacific Northwest region which includes the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is the designated reference economy. Labor and proprietors' income data, available at the county level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, are utilized to measure the change in a region's economic activity level relative to the Pacific Northwest region. The shift-share model does not provide, by itself, a clear-cut explanation on how regions grow and to what extent interregional growth divergencies can be explained. In order to explain the varying rates of growth experienced by the individual Oregon counties, additional analysis of factors underlying the regional share component is necessary. Selected variables, which represent economic and social characteristics of each Oregon county, are utilized in the regression analysis which attempts to identify possible determinants of a county's regional share value. Title: A structural description of Oregon counties, 1973-1978 Author: Ledeboer, M. Vivian Local government officials and county planners may find descriptive information concerning the economic structure of each Oregon county useful for planning for future economic development. Specifically, citizens of counties and planning districts need to know whether industries in their area are growing or declining and in which industries a comparative advantage occurs. A regional economy is comprised of a mix of industries. Growth (decline) in various industrial sectors contributes to overall regional growth (decline). Numerous factors may account for an industry's growth: high productivity of capital and labor; new technologies which increase output per unit cost; positive labor-management relations which lead to improved performance; and unique locational advantages which may reduce input, transport, or other costs. Prior to identifying the possible determinants of growth in a specific area, a technique which measures the differences in growth rates among regions is necessary. Shift-share analysis is a descriptive tool which permits a systematic assessment of the industrial changes occurring in a region. The shift-share technique determines how specific industries in certain regions are performing relative to the same industries in a larger reference region. The primary objective of the thesis is to apply the modified shift-share technique proposed by Kalbacher [1979] to delineate changes in income in each Oregon county for the time period 1973 to 1978. The Pacific Northwest region which includes the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is the designated reference economy. Labor and proprietors' income data, available at the county level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, are utilized to measure the change in a region's economic activity level relative to the Pacific Northwest region. The shift-share model does not provide, by itself, a clear-cut explanation on how regions grow and to what extent interregional growth divergencies can be explained. In order to explain the varying rates of growth experienced by the individual Oregon counties, additional analysis of factors underlying the regional share component is necessary. Selected variables, which represent economic and social characteristics of each Oregon county, are utilized in the regression analysis which attempts to identify possible determinants of a county's regional share value. Close

• 86. [Article] The Contribution of Aquaculture and Fishery Resources to Rural Livelihoods: Evidence from Household Consumption in Vietnam

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Contribution of Aquaculture and Fishery Resources to Rural Livelihoods: Evidence from Household Consumption in Vietnam Author: Ngwenya, Elkana Abstract only. Title: The Contribution of Aquaculture and Fishery Resources to Rural Livelihoods: Evidence from Household Consumption in Vietnam Author: Ngwenya, Elkana Abstract only. Close

• 87. [Article] Development of Fisheries in Vietnam: Lessons and Challenges

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development of Fisheries in Vietnam: Lessons and Challenges Author: Ha, Thong Xuan Abstract only. Title: Development of Fisheries in Vietnam: Lessons and Challenges Author: Ha, Thong Xuan Abstract only. Close

• 88. [Article] Economic Potentials of Women in Small-scale Fisheries in West Africa

  In the past three and a half a century since fisheries development was embarked upon in West Africa, the significant contributions of women in sustaining the socio-economic livelihoods of their families ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic Potentials of Women in Small-scale Fisheries in West Africa Author: Williams, Stella B. Year: 2001 In the past three and a half a century since fisheries development was embarked upon in West Africa, the significant contributions of women in sustaining the socio-economic livelihoods of their families has been neglected and taken for granted. Development and support systems have paid much less attention to the economic potentials of women in small-scale fisheries in West Africa. Women in developing economies, especially in Africa lack access to services such as credit, fisheries extension, technology, information and basic education which are critical for shifting patterns of fisheries production or increasing output, all these are limited. Research information on the role and extent of women’s involvement in agricultural and/or fisheries development process show a genuine desire to improve their socio-economic status. However, by a combination of factors, women could not break through the cycle of poverty. There is therefore need for the support systems to be organized in a way that should bring about social changes that may be resisted at first, but will eventually promote the role of women in the economy. Gender relations should not be seen as competitive but rather as complementary and mutually reinforcing. General recommendations include: training and extension programmes in fisheries targeting women in areas where they contribute to fisheries activities like processing, packaging, distribution and marketing; microcredit programmes to benefit women; networks formed at national level with the active participation of all the stakeholders. Title: Economic Potentials of Women in Small-scale Fisheries in West Africa Author: Williams, Stella B. Year: 2001 In the past three and a half a century since fisheries development was embarked upon in West Africa, the significant contributions of women in sustaining the socio-economic livelihoods of their families has been neglected and taken for granted. Development and support systems have paid much less attention to the economic potentials of women in small-scale fisheries in West Africa. Women in developing economies, especially in Africa lack access to services such as credit, fisheries extension, technology, information and basic education which are critical for shifting patterns of fisheries production or increasing output, all these are limited. Research information on the role and extent of women’s involvement in agricultural and/or fisheries development process show a genuine desire to improve their socio-economic status. However, by a combination of factors, women could not break through the cycle of poverty. There is therefore need for the support systems to be organized in a way that should bring about social changes that may be resisted at first, but will eventually promote the role of women in the economy. Gender relations should not be seen as competitive but rather as complementary and mutually reinforcing. General recommendations include: training and extension programmes in fisheries targeting women in areas where they contribute to fisheries activities like processing, packaging, distribution and marketing; microcredit programmes to benefit women; networks formed at national level with the active participation of all the stakeholders. Close

• 89. [Article] The impact of National Interstate Route 5 on adjacent non-agricultural land uses in the Willamette Valley, from Salem to Portland, Oregon

  The impacts of modern limited-access highways on the spatial distribution of non-agricultural development, and their influence in the shaping of occupancy patterns, are far-reaching and should be of eminent ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The impact of National Interstate Route 5 on adjacent non-agricultural land uses in the Willamette Valley, from Salem to Portland, Oregon Author: Preston, John Phillip The impacts of modern limited-access highways on the spatial distribution of non-agricultural development, and their influence in the shaping of occupancy patterns, are far-reaching and should be of eminent concern to all Americans. The location of the Interstate routes, with 80 percent of their 41,000 miles crossing rural localities, renders large areas of previously inaccessible agricultural and other rural land accessible to the urban-related land uses of commercial, residential, and industrial developments. The very nature of the spatial interaction of rural lands with these urbanizing forces (as a result of Interstate Highway construction), reresults in the creation of a problem of national importance -- the increasingly rapid and usually uncontrolled conversion of some of the nation's prime agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. The nature and extent of the dynamic effects of increasing encroachment by urban-related spatial systems into agricultural areas are exemplified by the route of National Interstate 5, from Salem to Portland, Oregon. Previous to the transgression by this segment of Interstate 5, the area was predominantly devoted to agricultural uses. Since urban-related development adjacent to this highway has occurred during the last ten years, it provides an excellent focus for the study of highwayrelated land uses similar to those occurring on the national level. The purpose of this study, therefore, is twofold: An examination and evaluation of the present and possible future impact of the recently constructed limited-access highway, Interstate 5, on adjacent nonagricultural land uses from Salem to Portland, Oregon. The extent and nature of this development is evaluated in the light of such influential factors as the nature of access, topographical features, distance and relation to urban centers, entrenchment of prior or present land uses, and real estate values. An examination of the problem of disorganized and uncontrolled commercial sprawl in the vicinity of interchanges, and in areas of ribbon development adjacent to the freeway. The possibilities of utilizing land use controls, particularly progress being made in the formulation of zoning provisions, are also examined. The analysis revealed that, aside from the removal of productive farm land taken by the right-of-way, the aggravation of existing drainage problems, and the parceling of farms and farm operations, the construction of Interstate 5 set dynamic forces in motion that are completely altering the existing spatial organization of land uses and economies along its route. It was concluded that Interstate 5 has become a dominant influence in the shaping of non-agricultural occupancy patterns on adjacent lands. The economic and land use changes appear to result from the stimulus provided by the highway for commercial, residential, and industrial development, and from the attending changes in existing land ownership, land values, and in existing land use controls. In view of the realization that the effects of limited-access highways are far-reaching and extend much beyond the immediate properties from which right-of-way was acquired, several recommendations are presented for consideration: When acquiring lands on which modern highways are to be constructed, consideration should be given to the character of land capabilities near the right-ofway, and to the impact the highway will have upon spatial organization and use systems. A program should be initiated by responsible agencies to inform and educate the public as to the total implications of the present trend of rapid conversion of large quantities of prime agricultural land to non-agricultural uses 3. The public at large should be made to realize that money spent now on the examination of alternative Interstate routes to utilize lands of limited agricultural capabilities and the employment of land use controls are actually investments for the future. Title: The impact of National Interstate Route 5 on adjacent non-agricultural land uses in the Willamette Valley, from Salem to Portland, Oregon Author: Preston, John Phillip The impacts of modern limited-access highways on the spatial distribution of non-agricultural development, and their influence in the shaping of occupancy patterns, are far-reaching and should be of eminent concern to all Americans. The location of the Interstate routes, with 80 percent of their 41,000 miles crossing rural localities, renders large areas of previously inaccessible agricultural and other rural land accessible to the urban-related land uses of commercial, residential, and industrial developments. The very nature of the spatial interaction of rural lands with these urbanizing forces (as a result of Interstate Highway construction), reresults in the creation of a problem of national importance -- the increasingly rapid and usually uncontrolled conversion of some of the nation's prime agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. The nature and extent of the dynamic effects of increasing encroachment by urban-related spatial systems into agricultural areas are exemplified by the route of National Interstate 5, from Salem to Portland, Oregon. Previous to the transgression by this segment of Interstate 5, the area was predominantly devoted to agricultural uses. Since urban-related development adjacent to this highway has occurred during the last ten years, it provides an excellent focus for the study of highwayrelated land uses similar to those occurring on the national level. The purpose of this study, therefore, is twofold: An examination and evaluation of the present and possible future impact of the recently constructed limited-access highway, Interstate 5, on adjacent nonagricultural land uses from Salem to Portland, Oregon. The extent and nature of this development is evaluated in the light of such influential factors as the nature of access, topographical features, distance and relation to urban centers, entrenchment of prior or present land uses, and real estate values. An examination of the problem of disorganized and uncontrolled commercial sprawl in the vicinity of interchanges, and in areas of ribbon development adjacent to the freeway. The possibilities of utilizing land use controls, particularly progress being made in the formulation of zoning provisions, are also examined. The analysis revealed that, aside from the removal of productive farm land taken by the right-of-way, the aggravation of existing drainage problems, and the parceling of farms and farm operations, the construction of Interstate 5 set dynamic forces in motion that are completely altering the existing spatial organization of land uses and economies along its route. It was concluded that Interstate 5 has become a dominant influence in the shaping of non-agricultural occupancy patterns on adjacent lands. The economic and land use changes appear to result from the stimulus provided by the highway for commercial, residential, and industrial development, and from the attending changes in existing land ownership, land values, and in existing land use controls. In view of the realization that the effects of limited-access highways are far-reaching and extend much beyond the immediate properties from which right-of-way was acquired, several recommendations are presented for consideration: When acquiring lands on which modern highways are to be constructed, consideration should be given to the character of land capabilities near the right-ofway, and to the impact the highway will have upon spatial organization and use systems. A program should be initiated by responsible agencies to inform and educate the public as to the total implications of the present trend of rapid conversion of large quantities of prime agricultural land to non-agricultural uses 3. The public at large should be made to realize that money spent now on the examination of alternative Interstate routes to utilize lands of limited agricultural capabilities and the employment of land use controls are actually investments for the future. Close

• 90. [Article] Economies as drivers of deforestation : a study of the soy production in Brazil

  In the last decade food production has undergone dramatic changes. The introduction of biotechnology and genetic modification has greatly increased crop yields and altered the balance of international ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economies as drivers of deforestation : a study of the soy production in Brazil Author: Story, Matt In the last decade food production has undergone dramatic changes. The introduction of biotechnology and genetic modification has greatly increased crop yields and altered the balance of international agricultural trade. This paper aims to discuss and explore a current global issue involving international trade and its sometimes hazardous environmental impact. Following in the wake of the Mad Cow epidemic in Europe, caused mainly by the use of ground up animal bones in livestock feed, farmers were forced to find a non-animal based protein-rich feed for livestock. Soy meal was found to be a perfect alternative, resulting in a large increase in the demand for soy. Currently, the United States is the world’s largest exporter of agricultural products; more importantly, the largest exporter of soy based products. The overwhelming majority of the United States’ soy based exports are of the genetically modified variety. Both China and the European Union currently prohibit the importation of genetically modified foods, eliminating the United States from a large foreign market. This large, emerging market opportunity is appealing to many countries currently producing non-genetically modified soy. Few countries however, possess the resources and agricultural infrastructure necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. The world’s second largest exporter of soy based products is Brazil, a country that at present predominantly produces non-genetically modified soy. Brazil has historically committed to producing non-genetically modified soy and has vast amounts of both land and labor to capitalize on foreign markets. In order to satisfy the already large and growing demand for non-genetically modified soy, Brazil would be forced to undertake large, expansive agricultural projects and convert millions of acres of tropical rainforests into land fertile enough for soy production. The issue at hand is one of short term benefits and long term consequences. Brazil has access and control over the largest and most unique natural resource in the world, the Amazon rainforest. Though the majority of if lies within the borders of Brazil, the Amazon rainforest affects the global climate, impacting countries thousands of miles away. The decision to exploit the Amazon rainforest lies largely on the shoulders of the Brazilian government, but the consequences of these decisions will travel far beyond Brazil’s borders. Genetically modified foods are the topic of continuous discussion and debate, with numerous pundits on each side of the issue debating their acceptance. The first section of this analysis will concern genetically modified foods and their role in this situation. The second section will discuss Brazil’s current economic condition, their motivations for possibly undertaking such a large effort towards fulfilling the non-genetically modified soy demand, and their possible entrance into the genetically modified soy market. The third and final section of this analysis will explain in detail the potential environmental impact of these actions and conclude with a discussion concerning the idea of economic progression as a driver of environmental destruction. Title: Economies as drivers of deforestation : a study of the soy production in Brazil Author: Story, Matt In the last decade food production has undergone dramatic changes. The introduction of biotechnology and genetic modification has greatly increased crop yields and altered the balance of international agricultural trade. This paper aims to discuss and explore a current global issue involving international trade and its sometimes hazardous environmental impact. Following in the wake of the Mad Cow epidemic in Europe, caused mainly by the use of ground up animal bones in livestock feed, farmers were forced to find a non-animal based protein-rich feed for livestock. Soy meal was found to be a perfect alternative, resulting in a large increase in the demand for soy. Currently, the United States is the world’s largest exporter of agricultural products; more importantly, the largest exporter of soy based products. The overwhelming majority of the United States’ soy based exports are of the genetically modified variety. Both China and the European Union currently prohibit the importation of genetically modified foods, eliminating the United States from a large foreign market. This large, emerging market opportunity is appealing to many countries currently producing non-genetically modified soy. Few countries however, possess the resources and agricultural infrastructure necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. The world’s second largest exporter of soy based products is Brazil, a country that at present predominantly produces non-genetically modified soy. Brazil has historically committed to producing non-genetically modified soy and has vast amounts of both land and labor to capitalize on foreign markets. In order to satisfy the already large and growing demand for non-genetically modified soy, Brazil would be forced to undertake large, expansive agricultural projects and convert millions of acres of tropical rainforests into land fertile enough for soy production. The issue at hand is one of short term benefits and long term consequences. Brazil has access and control over the largest and most unique natural resource in the world, the Amazon rainforest. Though the majority of if lies within the borders of Brazil, the Amazon rainforest affects the global climate, impacting countries thousands of miles away. The decision to exploit the Amazon rainforest lies largely on the shoulders of the Brazilian government, but the consequences of these decisions will travel far beyond Brazil’s borders. Genetically modified foods are the topic of continuous discussion and debate, with numerous pundits on each side of the issue debating their acceptance. The first section of this analysis will concern genetically modified foods and their role in this situation. The second section will discuss Brazil’s current economic condition, their motivations for possibly undertaking such a large effort towards fulfilling the non-genetically modified soy demand, and their possible entrance into the genetically modified soy market. The third and final section of this analysis will explain in detail the potential environmental impact of these actions and conclude with a discussion concerning the idea of economic progression as a driver of environmental destruction. Close