Agriculture in the New Global Economy

Agriculture in the New Global Economy examines the extent to which the political economy of the food chain is being transformed by globalisation. This assessment is based upon four paradigms: the traditional subsidy-based dependent paradigm; the neo-liberal competitive paradigm; the multifunctional paradigm that emphasises the contribution of farming to other public goods such as the environment; and an emergent globalisation paradigm. The discussion is developed through reference to empirical evidence from the United States and Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan and the Global South. The genetic modification controversy, developments in trade policy, changing national policy systems, and emerging global governance arrangements are also analysed. Illustrating contemporary policy debates using both theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence, this book will appeal to academics, researchers and students specialising in political science, environmental studies, agricultural economics, management and food policy. The book will also be of interest to governmental practitioners in agriculture and environment departments as well as international organisations such as the EU, FAO and WTO.