In a reassessment of modern conservatism, noted historian Kathryn S. Olmsted reexamines the explosive labour disputes in the agricultural fields of Depression-era California, the cauldron that inspired a generation of artists and writers and triggered the intervention of FDR's New Deal. Right Out of California tells how this brief moment of upheaval terrified business leaders into rethinking their relationship to American politics - a narrative that pits a ruthless generation of growers against a passionate cast of reformers, writers, and revolutionaries.

The farm machinery industry, though dominated by three large companies, is a complex sector of the global manufacturing economy that encompasses many smaller manufacturers as well. While contributing a small percentage to gross world product, it is vitally important to another key sector of the economy agriculture. Consequently, the recent rise in global crop prices has allowed the industry to be more resilient than other mature manufacturing sectors, like automobiles. The proposed book will provide a concise but comprehensive look at the farm machinery industry: its history, organization, competitors, and the challenges and opportunities the industry faces as a result of regulations, globalization and outside market forces. This will be done as a means of understanding a crucial building block to the success of agriculture's ability to feed the expanding world population.

Politics decides who gets what and how. At the most elemental level, food has, for most of our history, been intensely political: who gets to eat what, how often, and through what means of acquisition or entitlement? The scale of the polity in question has shifted over time, from very local divisions to that of the international community imagined in the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. Simultaneously, the numbers and factional interests of people asserting political stakes in food and agriculture have likewise shifted up and out. For example, Europeans have used a variety of policy and social-movement tactics to influence what Africans eat; American diplomats have applied pressure to delegitimize European political choices about what not to eat; and conflicts over safety regulations have muddied the line between agricultural protectionism and justifiable precaution in confronting novel foods. As an object of governmentality, food has never been so prominent. The thirty-five chapters in this handbook confront three major themes in the political regulation of food: ecology, technology and property. Following Ronald J. Herring's editorial introduction, the first section examines power struggles over knowledge and authority in food technology and production: who gets to be the voice of authority in agricultural research and scientific knowledge; who decides the best ways to alleviate hunger in poor countries; and who decides issues of food safety and nutritional standards. The second section addresses the political economy of food production: land power and production; distribution and trade; land reform; food entitlements and welfare policy; agricultural subsidies; and agribusiness. The third section looks at agriculture and the environment: ecological approaches to agricultural development; sustainable farming; biotechnology; climate change; livestock; and wild foods. The fourth section addresses food politics and global civil society: global food systems; cultural debates over genetically modified foods; food safety; food labeling; the politics of grocery shopping; regulation of biotechnology; and coexistence of GM, organic and conventional crops. The fifth and final section looks at food movements and the frontiers of food politics: global food movements; organic farming as a transnational phenomenon; the intersection of local and global food narratives; the agrifood industry in developing countries; the agricultural land rush; and agricultural futures.

During the fifty-year period from 1936-86 the modern agricultural revolution occurred, in which, for the first time, science was properly harnessed to the improvement in agricultural productivity. The authors of this 1995 book quantify this improvement and identify the work of scientists which was seminal to the scientific and technological advances on which the revolution was founded. The topics covered include the advances in animal nutrition (in which the late Kenneth Blaxter was an acknowledged pioneer), animal and plant breeding, soil fertility, weed, pest, and disease control, veterinary medicine, engineering (including innovations in tractor design by Harry Ferguson), and statistical measurement. In addition, this book describes how these innovations were integrated into the practical business of food production and discusses the importance of the Government in setting the scene for scientific advance.

Local Food Systems and Community Economic Development provides scholarly and practical knowledge on a range of issues often associated with local food system development. Many people agree that there are unintended consequences associated with the manner in which our food supply chain has evolved. These concerns range in focus from health, to environment, to economic structure, to social justice. But, for each argument critical of our current food system, there are to be found strong counter-arguments; the popular press is replete with stories that lean toward taking specific sides in these arguments, often demonizing those on the other side. In this volume local food scholars strive to be fair, balanced, and as factual as possible in their arguments. This even-handed approach is appropriate as it should foster more sustainable community change and should lead us toward a stronger foundation for scholarly inquiry and ultimately more respect and credibility for efforts to better understand the phenomenon of local and regional food system development. Amidst a deepening interest in local food systems as a community economic development strategy, Local Food Systems and Community Economic Development will be of great interest to scholars of community development, rural studies, agriculture, food systems, and rural economy. The chapters originally published as a special issue of Community Development.

This timely and much-needed book focuses on the phenomenon often referred to as "holiday hunger" in the United Kingdom. The book begins by outlining the history and scope of holiday hunger - the condition that occurs when a child's household is, or will become, food insecure during the summer holidays. The decline of the UK welfare state and the rise of neoliberalism have created a situation where up to three million children in the UK face food insecurity during the summer months when there are extra financial pressures on the working poor and when free school meals are not available. This book details the level of childhood and household food insecurity in the UK and describes one of the main responses to holiday hunger - holiday clubs. These clubs are locally organised and funded and provide a place for children to go to eat nutritious meals for free during the school holidays. Highlighting the benefits of holiday clubs that often extend beyond food provision, this book also discusses the challenges that they face now and in the future. The book concludes with recommendations for food insecurity policy and the role of government in fighting holiday hunger. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of food and nutrition security, social policy and public health.

Millets are low cost cereal grains and widely used in the food industry and animal husbandry as an important source of food and feed. As a rich source of starch, protein, minerals, vitamins, and specific bioactive compounds that contain beneficial antioxidant properties, they have gained considerable attention as a botanical dietary supplement and various functional foods. Millets: Properties, Processing, and Health Benefits explores millet production, chemistry and nutritional aspects, processing technologies, product formulations, and more. Understanding the properties of millets provides a basis for better utilizing millet crops, in addition to further development of millets as an important industrial crop. Key Features: Provides millet taxonomy, history, nutritional aspects, and health benefits Discusses the physical and functional properties of millets Explores various millet-based products Deals with starch composition, structure, properties, and applications Touches on postharvest management of millets This book combines information on the composition, functional properties and processing along with information on the health properties of millets. With its unique presentation on millets flour and starch, it will be suitable for those wanting to use millets in various food products, including food technologists, nutritionists, research scientists, and agriculture professionals.

Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) is a perennial tree species native to the Asian subcontinent. It is an economically significant tree for its value in forestry, agroforestry, and horticulture. The high-quality timber imparts this tree species a significant commercial value. Besides valuable timber, it also exhibits medicinal, industrial, and agroforestry allied attributes. This tree has been introducing to the geographical regions where it does not exist naturally, which indicates its significant properties, getting diverse communities' attention. This book provides information about this tree species based on the latest research trends and development on the subject. It addresses researchers, forestry specialists, natural resource managers, or all those interested in the rehabilitation, maintenance, and management of Dalbergia sissoo tree resources. Key features Discusses botanical features, reproductive characters, taxonomy, geographical distribution, and ecological importance of Dalbergia sissoo. Highlights physiological and biochemical features of Dalbergia sissoo and vis-a-vis contribution to the sustainability of the ecosystem. Explains ethnobotany of Dalbergia sissoo, its ethnobotanical uses to cure various ailments, and contribution to the pharmaceutical industry. Provides a comprehensive account of insect pest threat and diseases as a leading cause of deteriorating growth, cultivation, productivity, and quality losses in Dalbergia sissoo. Describes conventional breeding methods and non-conventional strategies for genetic improvement, biodiversity, and conservation of D. sissoo Relays sustainability, socio-economic importance, agroforestry trends, current scenario, and future challenges of D. sisso

Anthropogenic activity has clearly altered the N cycle contributing (among other factors) to climate change. This book aims to provide new biotechnological approach representing innovative strategies to solve specific problems related to the imbalance originating in the N cycle. Aspects such as new conceptions in agriculture, wastewater treatment, and greenhouse gas emissions are discussed in this book with a multidisciplinary vision. A team of international authors with wide experience have contributed up-to-date reviews, highlighting scientific principles and their environmental importance and integrating different biotechnological processes in environmental technology.

This book presents evidence-based approaches and techniques used to diagnose and manage organic solutes, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzymes in crop plants under abiotic stressors. It discusses strategies in abiotic stress tolerance including osmoregulation, osmoprotectants, and the regulation of compatible solutes and antioxidant enzymes in plants. With contributions from 49 scholars worldwide, this authoritative guide is educational for scientists working with plants and abiotic stressors. Provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of abiotic stress, from abiotic stresses' effects on plant growth, development, and defense mechanisms, to functionality of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzymes in crop plants. Outlines the dangers of reactive oxygen species. Discusses using antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant molecules in plant protection mechanisms. Edited by Arafat Abdel Hamed Abdel Latef, Professor of Plant Physiology at South Valley University, Egypt, this book is written for graduate students and scholars researching abiotic plant stressors. "The book represents an excellent strategy to understand the mechanisms and techniques of antioxidant enzymes in the plant cell under stress conditions." - Professor Mostafa El-sheekh "Provides a thorough and detailed picture of the updated knowledge on the techniques used to manage organic solutes, oxidative stress and stress-related enzymes under abiotic stressors." - Bhoopander Giri, Ph.D. "Will serve as an imperative source of scientific literature in the plant stress biology field." - Narendra Singh Yadav, Ph.D. "The book has eighteen chapters written by scholars of international expertise in plant stress management." - Dr. Sikander PAL, Senior Assistant Professor

This two-volume book provides an important overview to EU economic and policy issues related to the development of the bioeconomy. What have been the recent trends and what are the implications for future economic development and policy making? Where does EU bioeconomy policy sit within an international context and what are the financial frameworks behind them? Volume I explores the economic theory of bioeconomy policy, as well as European integration, European agriculture, EU budget and future developments in EU agriculture policies.

In her quest for global leadership in science and technology, the People's Republic of China has attained top ranks in the number of scientific publications, "hot papers," or national and international patent applications. However, analysis of the underlying structures and mechanisms is hindered by the sheer flood of data, stringent government control of all media, and ambiguities inherent in translation from Chinese. This book overcomes these difficulties and provides a concise picture of biotechnology-related research and development in China. It begins with brief accounts of China's geography, people, political and administrational structure, economy, finance, infrastructure related to science and technology, and educational system. It presents succinct accounts on structures and developments in biomedicine, diagnostics, agriculture, fermented food, bioindustry, and environmental biotechnology, with reference to government, industry, and academia. Finally, it predicts the next steps in Chinese biotechnology for the national agenda and, in view of China's ambitious global development strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative.

Glycogen and Starch: So Similar, yet so Different. Both carbohydrates are central to the primary metabolism of a large part of the living kingdom. Generally, animals, fungi, and bacteria store glycogen, while plants largely rely on starch. This book provides a broad and current view on both glycogen and starch, in lower and higher organisms. Beside biochemistry, physiology and regulation of glycogen and starch metabolism, the reader can expect an insight into glycogen storage diseases, select methods and relevant techniques. While significant progress has been made in both fields, this volume emphasizes an opportunity of collaboration for researchers working on a major intersection of the living world.

Fish Histology: From Cells to Organs, 2nd Edition provides up-to-date information that emphasizes the relationships and concepts by which cell and tissue structures of fish are inextricably linked with their function. The book also describes the most recent development in the sciences of fish histology. The first edition of this book was well received, and this updated and improved edition includes five brand new chapters on the skeleton of fishes, gas bladder and gas gland, endocrine system, nervous system, and sensory system. Various staining procedures were used in the second edition to enhance contrasts in samples. As a further aid to learning, many new immunohistochemical and ultrastructural images illustrate the text along with a particular emphasis on tables that summarize the morphologic and functional features of cells, tissues, and organs. The text and images for this edition have been updated with the most current information available at the time of publication. The volume begins with a concise introduction into the histological techniques for fish sampling, followed by an accurate up-to-date description of fish tissues. A chapter is devoted to each organ and organ systems in the fish body as well. In addition, the book includes over 270 diagrams, photos, and illustrations to elucidate the structure of organs and to enhance the usefulness of the text. Key features: Provides valuable information on the histology of many species of teleosts Explores cells at electron microscopic levels Illustrates the characteristics of tissues and organs of fish with over 270 images, most in color Highlights advances, trends, and applications in the modern histological techniques and tissue preparations Focuses on reproductive organs to provide new knowledge on reproductive biology Includes new five chapters, on the Skeleton of Fish, Gas Bladder and Gas Glands, Endocrine System, Nervous System, and Sensory System, for a more complete coverage of Fish Histology. The author has organized the book to present the information in a user-friendly way to facilitate learning and comprehension. The volume is designed for use by students as well as researchers, biologists, ichthyologists, fish farmers, veterinarians working in fisheries and, of course, by comparative histologists who want to learn more about the fish world.

Buckwheat: Forgotten crop for the Future offers an overview of this globally important crop, including its history, origin and its importance to functional food sector. Due to its short growth span, ability to grow at higher altitudes and superior quality of its protein, buckwheat is considered as an important crop for addressing global food requirements. The book also provides upto date information on the abiotic stress tolerance properties of the crop including its hyperaccumulating potential. The book talks about the issues and challenges being faced for adopting this crop and the ways to address and overcome these limitations. The book guides the readers through different varietal adaptations and provides information on appropriate research directions. This book would serve as an ideal guide for researchers and advanced-level students seeking better understanding of the buckwheat crop. Introduces the buckwheat's origin, history and diversity Summarizes the distribution of buckwheat species around the world Presents agro-techniques and cultivation practices of buckwheat Explores the nutraceutical potential of buckwheat Includes adaptation of buckwheat towards different environmental factors affecting growth and production Discusses the reasons for declining buckwheat production Addresses the strategies for buckwheat crop improvement

The introduction of New Deal regulation coincided with the start of a revolution in U.S. farm productivity. Compared with small gains in the three decades prior to 1930, farmers after 1935 maintained an exceptionally high rate of productivity growth. In Regulation and the Revolution in United States Farm Productivity, Sally Clarke argues that regulation worked in tandem with farmers' competitive markets to create a dynamic process for productivity growth. Competition, Clarke finds, cannot alone explain the rapid diffusion of technology. Prior to 1930, farmers in the Corn Belt delayed purchases of the tractor, the most important technology, despite the cost savings it promised. Aside from competition, farmers responded to their investment climate, which Clarke defines as the interaction of diverse elements: unstable prices, the structure of farms, and the role of different actors - implement manufacturers, creditors, agricultural researchers. In the 1920s, tractors demanded large sums of cash at a time when farmers' investment climate hampered such financial commitments. As a result, many families delayed purchases and missed potential productivity savings. The New Deal changed this climate. Regulation stabilized prices, introduced new sources of credit, and caused implement manufacturers and private creditors to revise their business strategies. Despite the Depression, farmers invested in expensive technology and acquired significant new gains in productivity. After the Depression, the rapid growth in productivity entailed drastic changes in the farm sector: a small number of competitors survived but most ultimately quit. Regulation shaped these outcomes. For as long as prices fellafter World War II, credit and price regulation helped aggressive farmers invest in land and technology. Ironically, these same policies created conditions under which those who gave up their livelihood rarely experienced foreclosure. Instead, in the 1970s when prices rose, those farmers who remained exposed themselves to a new crisis, which had severe results in the ensuing decade.

The book Extreme Environments: Unique Ecosystems - Amazing Microbes is an attempt to showcase the uniqueness of extremophiles, the largely unexplored group that has the abilities to function in hostile conditions and represent the very ancient life forms that thrived on earth billions of years ago. The book covers a wide range of research achievements in the field of microbiology of extreme environments right from the conventional approaches of cultivation to recently evolved high throughput sequencing technologies. The book provides a broad spectrum of information about the taxonomy, physiology, ecology and biotechnological applications of extremophiles from various extreme environments across the globe.

This book provides a synthesis of the key issues and challenges facing agriculture and food production in Southern Africa. Southern Africa is facing numerous challenges from diverse issues such as agricultural transformations, growing populations, urbanization and climate change. These challenges place great pressure on food security, agriculture, water availability and other natural resources, as well as impacting biodiversity. Drawing on case studies from Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the chapters in this book consider these challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective, covering key areas in constraints to production, the most important building blocks of good farming practices, and established and emerging technologies. This book will be a valuable support for informing new policies and processes aimed at improving food production and security and developing sustainable agriculture in Southern Africa. This informative volume will be key reading for those interested in agricultural science, African studies, rural studies, development studies and sustainability. It will also be a valuable resource for policymakers, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and agricultural practitioners. This title has been made available as Open Access under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CCBY-NC-ND) license and can be accessed here: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9780429401701

Sustainable Food System Assessment provides both practical and theoretical insights about the growing interest in and response to measuring food system sustainability. Bringing together research from the Global North and South, this book shares lessons learned, explores intended and actual project outcomes, and highlights points of conceptual and methodological convergence. Interest in assessing food system sustainability is growing, as evidenced by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and the importance food systems initiatives have taken in serving as a lever for attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This book opens by looking at the conceptual considerations of food systems indicators, including the place-based dimensions of food systems indicators and how measurements are implicated in sense-making and visioning processes. Chapters in the second part cover operationalizing metrics, including the development of food systems indicator frameworks, degrees of indicator complexities, and practical constraints to assessment. The final part focuses on the outcomes of assessment projects, including impacts on food policy and communities involved, highlighting the importance of building connections between sustainable food systems initiatives. The global coverage and multi-scalar perspectives, including both conceptual and practical aspects, make this a key resource for academics and practitioners across planning, geography, urban studies, food studies, and research methods. It will also be of interest to government officials and those working within NGOs.

Converging Social Justice Issues and Movements argues that multiple contemporary converging crises have significantly altered the context for and object of political contestations around agrarian, climate, environmental and food justice issues. This shift affects alliances, collaboration and conflict among and between state and social forces, as well as within and between social movements. The actual implications and mechanisms by which these changes are happening are, to a large extent, empirical questions that need careful investigation. The majority of the discussions in this volume are dedicated to the issue of responses to the crises both by capitalist forces and those adversely affected by the crises, and the implications of these for academic research and political activist work. Interdisciplinary in nature, Converging Social Justice Issues and Movements will be of great use to scholars of agrarian politics, as well as climate and environmental justice studies. The chapters were originally published as a special issue in Third World Quarterly.

Fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) pests have a profound impact on horticultural production and economy of many countries. It is fundamental to understand their biology and evaluate methods for their suppression, containment, or eradication. Area-Wide Management of Fruit Fly Pests comprises contributions from scientists from around the world on several species of tephritids working on diverse subjects with a focus on area-wide management of these pests. The first three sections of the book explore aspects of the biology, ecology, physiology, behavior, taxonomy, and morphology of fruit flies. The next two sections provide evidence on the efficacy of attractants, risk assessment, quarantine, and post-harvest control methods. The fifth and sixth sections examine biological control methods such as the Sterile Insect Technique and the use of natural enemies of fruit flies. The seventh section focuses on area-wide integrated pest management and action programs. Finally, the eighth section examines social, economic, and policy issues of action programs aimed at involving the wider community in the control of these pests and facilitate the development of control programs. Features: Presents information on the biology of tephritid flies. Provides knowledge on the use of natural enemies of fruit flies for their biological control. Includes research results on models and diets used for the Sterile Insect Technique. Reports developments on the chemical ecology of fruit flies that contribute to make control methods more specific and efficient. Reviews subjects such as Holistic Pest Management and Area-Wide Management Programs including social, economic, and policy issues in various countries. The Open Access version of this book, available at https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780429355738, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.

From Mediterranean Europe to Chile and from China to Australia, chestnut cultivation surface has greatly increased globally over the last several decades. The crop provides solid revenue to growers, is resilient to climate change and the fruits are a calorie-dense, carbohydrate-rich nut, the production of which improves soil and sequesters carbon. However, there is a great lack and a great need for technical information on management of old and new chestnut plantations. The Chestnut Handbook shares achievements in chestnut development and cultivation including information on sustainable planning and management of chestnut production from nursery to plantation, entomology, pathology, and ecosystem services. Cultivation techniques of Chinese, Japanese, and European chestnut species including hybrids are described containing information on over 550 local and commercial cultivars. Beautiful original handmade drawings and technical sheets facilitate accessibility and comprehension of information. FEATURES: * Offers practical, easy-to-follow, technical solutions for chestnut farming and forestry, provides ideas for present and future plantations and management * Contains more than 300 figures published in full color featuring original handmade drawings * Provides information about cultural practices, nursery techniques and ecosystem services * Includes a reference list of over 550 local and commercial cultivars of Chinese, Japanese, and European chestnut species and their hybrids * Presents important information on both major and minor pests and diseases as well as pest diseases and physiological disorders. With the collaboration of more than 30 researchers from internationally renowned institutes, professionals and nurserymen this book serves as a technical reference and valuable resource for agronomists, forest experts, farmers, researchers and students of agricultural and forestry sciences.

Rural Development in the Digital Age explores current theoretical and policy developments in EU rural policy during the 4.0 period. The book offers an analysis of the contradictory and complex drivers and multiple impacts of Period 4.0 policy within the specific territorial context of its implementation. It is commonly agreed within academic and policy circles that the contexts, trends, drivers and impacts which are currently morphing have the potential to determine the nature and boundaries of rural areas in the longer-term. The authors examine inconsistencies in the design and implementation of EU rural development policy driven largely by intensifying neo-productivist pressures. The importance and novelty of the book lie in defining and critically examining the territorial impacts of neo-productivism as an ideology, a practice and a set of policy imperatives during the EU's 2014-2020 programming period. The authors argue that such a paradigm shift in EU rural policy may reduce its effectiveness and ability to meet its goals of balanced territorial development and cohesion. This book will be of interest to advanced students, researchers and policymakers in rural policy, regional studies, economic geography and EU policy.

This volume represents the result of almost two decades of trans-Atlantic collaborative development of a policy research paradigm, the International Comparative Rural Policy Studies program. Over this period dozens of scientists from different disciplines but with a common interest in rural issues and policy have collaboratively studied the policies in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. A core element of the book is the idea and practice of comparative research and analysis - what can be learned from comparisons, how and why policies vary in different contexts, and what lessons might or might not be "transferable" across borders. It provides skills for the use of comparative methods as important tools to analyze the functioning of strategies and specific policy interventions in different contexts and a holistic approach for the management of resources in rural regions. It promotes innovation as a tool to valorize endogenous resources and empower local communities and offers case studies of rural policy in specific contexts. The book largely adopts a territorial approach to rural policy. This means the book is more interested in rural regions, their people and economies, and in the policies that affect them, than in rural sectors, and sectoral policies per se. The audience of the book is by definition international and includes students attending courses in agricultural and rural policy, rural and regional studies, and natural resource management; lecturers seeking course material and case studies to present to their students in any of the courses listed above; professionals working in the field of rural policy; policy-makers and civil servants at different levels seeking tools to better understand rural policy both at the local and global scale and to better recognize and comprehend how to transfer best practices.

This book presents the history of, and current approaches to, farmer-breeder collaboration in plant breeding, situating this work in the context of sustainable food systems, as well as national and international policy and law regimes. Plant breeding is essential to food production, climate-change adaptation and sustainable development. This book brings together experienced practitioners and researchers involved in collaborative breeding programmes across a diversity of crops and agro-ecologies around the world. Case studies include collaborative sorghum and pearl millet breeding for water-stressed environments in West Africa, participatory rice breeding for intensive rice farming in the Mekong Delta, and evolutionary participatory quinoa breeding for organic agriculture in North America. While outlining the challenges, the volume also highlights the positive impacts, such as yield increases, farmers' empowerment in the innovation and development processes, contributions to maintenance of crop genetic diversity and adaptation to climate change. This collection offers a range of perspectives on enabling conditions for farmer-breeder collaboration in plant breeding in relation to biodiversity agreements such as the Plant Treaty, trade agreements and related intellectual property rights (IPR) regimes, and national seed policies and laws. Relevant to a wide audience, including practitioners with experience in plant breeding and management of crop genetic resources and those with a broader interest in agriculture and development, as well as students of international cooperation and development, this volume is a timely addition to the literature.