Work

The causes and unintended consequences of a paradigm shift in corn production practices

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Independent but simultaneously occurring changes in U.S. agricultural and energy policies in conjunction with advances in biotechnology converged to create an economic and regulatory environment that incentivized corn acreage expansion. Advancements in Bt seed and ethanol production technologies contributed to scale efficiency gains in corn and biofuel production. These advancements were accompanied by changes in market forces that altered the balance between corn and other agricultural crop production. The causal linkages among Bt adoption, ethanol production, and corn production are explored along with a discussion of how this shift toward corn production generated unexpected economic and environmental consequences. Alternative policy solutions to mitigate the negative consequences and enhance the resiliency of U.S. agriculture are discussed.

Source: Environmental Science & Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2015.04.017

Author: Scott W. Fausti

Institution: South Dakota State University

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural economics and policies

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250