FARM POLICY IN AN INDUSTRIALIZED AGRICULTURE

The structural changes that will impact agriculture over the next decade will be profound. The economic benefits of the dual dimensions of industrialization of agriculture-implementation of a manufacturing approach to the food and industrial product production and distribution chain, and negotiated coordination among the stages in that chain are expected to result in a much more industrialized agricultural sector. The implications of this industrialization process for agricultural markets and market policy, and agricultural policy in general, are critical. The focal point of this discussion is the set of public policy options that might be considered to shape the future structure of the agricultural sector.