Abstract: Much has changed in the 50 years since modern food aid began with the enactment of U.S. Public Law 480 in 1954. Yet contemporary policy debates often become derailed by failures to appreciate the significant changes that have already occurred. This paper identifies the most important of these changes and explains how these set the stage for further desirable changes to U.S. food aid programs.
Key Words: food security, humanitarian assistance, hunger, poverty, safety nets, surplus disposal, trade promotion
Contact Author:
Christopher B. Barrett
Department of Applied Economics & Management
315 Warren Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-7801
Phone: (607) 255-4489
Fax: (607) 255-9984
Abstract: In 2001, the dot.com bubble burst and U.S. e-commerce growth slowed. Slower e-commerce growth may signal changes in the use and perceptions of the Internet and e-commerce in agribusiness companies. Agribusiness firm managers were surveyed in 2004 to identify agribusiness use of the Internet and e-commerce and to solicit their perceptions about the Internet and e-commerce. The survey was developed from a similar survey conducted in 1999. In 2004, agribusiness firms were using e-commerce more with their suppliers than with their customers. Perceptions regarding Internet and e-commerce varied by the intensity of e-commerce use. Given the variety of opinions regarding the Internet and e-commerce, e-commerce capabilities in the agribusiness industry will remain highly diverse in the near term.
Key Words: agribusiness, e-commerce, Internet
Contact Author:
Jason R. Henderson
Center for the Study of Rural America
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
925 Grand Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64198
Phone: (816) 881-2221
Fax: (816) 881-2199
Abstract: This study employs a structural time-series method to model and estimate U.S. cotton exports and mill use. The results show that the stochastic process governing cotton export fluctuations is transitory, while the process pertaining to mill use has transitory, seasonal, and secular origins. The estimated structural relationships after accounting for the unobserved components indicate U.S. cotton exports respond directly to higher international price relative to domestic price of cotton, while mill use responds directly to U.S. textile output price and cotton-to-polyester price ratio. Exchange rate volatility and the U.S. Export Enhancement Program have no significant effect on cotton exports.
Key Words: cotton exports, cotton mill use, Kalman filter, state space, unobserved components
Contact Author:
Mohamadou L. Fadiga
Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics
Texas Tech University
Box 42132
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: (806) 742-0277, ext. 231
Fax: N/A
Abstract: This study extends biotechnology discourse to cover South Korea in the Asian sub-continent showing a marked difference in perceptions between traditional and GM foods. Factor analysis suggests South Koreans may treat foods that are locally produced and those with no artificial flavors or colorings preferentially to GM foods. Additionally, South Koreans have concerns about perceived risks related to biotechnology, and, given a choice, they may pay more to avoid GM foods. Cluster analysis results yielded four consumer segments: (a) ardent supporters of the attribute of "naturalness" in foods, (b) those apprehensive about biotechnology, (c) the food adventurous, and (d) information seekers about biotechnology.
Key Words: consumer perceptions, factor and cluster analysis, food attributes, genetic modification
Contact Author:
Ramu Govindasamy
Food Policy Institute
Rutgers University
55 Dudley Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520
Phone: (732) 932-9171, ext. 254
Fax: (732) 932-8887
Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between the maize export prices of the United States and Argentina. The results suggest an asymmetric nature of price adjustment. This could be due to the fact that the maize market is characterized by significant concentration. The larger market share of exports by the United States reflects the influences on export price dynamics. The structure of maize trade is such that U.S. markets are largely insulated from influences flowing from Argentina, while Argentine maize prices are not insulated from U.S. influences.
Key Words: cointegration, maize, price dynamics, threshold adjustment
Contact Author:
Atanu Ghoshray
Department of Economics & International Development
University of Bath
Bath BA2 7AY
UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: +44 (0) 1225 386402
Fax: +44 (0) 1225 383423
Abstract: The declining share of beef in total U.S. meat consumption has motivated industrywide efforts to improve average beef quality through more effective coordination among the various market participants. Increased use of explicit grid pricing mechanisms over the last decade represents initial efforts at improved coordination. More recent efforts include animal-specific carcass data collection, with subsequent transmission to feeders and the relevant cow/calf operations, and improved source verification procedures aimed at (among other things) reducing the overall cost of medical treatment for live animals. None of these organizational innovations is costless, and indeed a number of significant barriers must be overcome before more widespread adoption of such practices takes place. This paper takes a detailed look at one organization's attempts to overcome some of these barriers, and provides a qualitative assessment of this and other potential organizational responses.
Key Words: cattle and beef markets, information transmission, producer alliance
Contact Author:
John D. Lawrence
Department of Economics
468F Heady Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1070
Phone: (515) 294-6740
Fax: (515) 294-0221