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Assessing the character of agricultural production systems: Issues and implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Sandra S. Batie  and
Daniel B. Taylor
Sandra S. Batie
Affiliation:
Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0401.
Daniel B. Taylor
Affiliation:
Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0401.
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Abstract

Alternative agriculture can be viewed as an alternative belief system to that underlying conventional agriculture. However, alternative agriculture can also be viewed from a technological perspective—that is, as a set of substitute technologies to conventional agriculture from which a farmer can selectively choose. Definitional distinctions between low-input, organic, sustainable, and conventional agriculture become important with this second perspective. Different policy and research implications are generated from these competing perspectives.

Keywords

Alternative agricultureresearchpublic policies
Type
Commentary
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , December 1991 , pp. 184 - 187
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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References

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