Book Chapter – Evolving Agricultural and Rural Policy in a Global Context: Diverse Origins and Varied Paths

Meyers, W. H., & Johnson, T. G. (2018). Evolving Agricultural and Rural Policy in a Global Context: Diverse Origins and Varied Paths. In Handbook of International Food and Agricultural Policies (Vol. 1, pp. 1–15). World Scientific.
This volume recounts the history and rationale for policy support of farm and rural residents. The history of most parts of the world cannot be fully understood with-out an appreciation for the role that agriculture has played in economic, social, and cultural evolution. And this evolution cannot be understood without an appreciation for the role that public policy has played in the changes in the agriculture sector and in the outcomes for rural families and communities. This volume views and compares the experience of a broad array of countries and regions and provides a basis for understanding the role of history, culture, politics, and technology in the evolution of agricultural and rural policy.  As home to a majority of the population and a basis for a significant share of the economy in most countries at an early stage of development, agricultural support policies served as instruments of market protection, public service provision, social safety nets, and economic development. Industrialization and technological advancement transformed most countries (although at significantly different rates) into urban-based economies.