Agricultural Standards
Subtitle: The Shape of the Global Food and Fiber System (The International Library of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Ethics)
Contributors: Jim Bingen (Editor); Lawrence Busch (Editor)
Edition: 1 edition
Publisher: Springer
Published: January 9, 2006
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 259
ISBN-13: 9781402039836
Subjects: POLITICS & GOVERNMENT; Sociology, Social Studies; Sociology; Social Science; Sociology - General; Social Science / General; General; Agriculture; Food industry and trade; International cooperation; Standards
Description: Food and agricultural standards have recently risen to the top of both national and international agendas. Popular concerns about the power of the World Trade Organization focus on the intertwined relationships between environmental protection, labor and human rights, and the standards used to produce and supply our food and fiber globally. In the developing world, agricultural grades and standards are an important part of the reconfiguration of roles and responsibilities between various public and private actors in market reform. This original and informative collection of studies of agri-food standards in the modern economy addresses these and helps to define the scope of the emerging study of the politics of standards setting. Following an overview essay dealing with the multiple ways of thinking about, approaching and defining food and agricultural standards, eleven case studies offer a rich body of evidence that assesses the processes, dynamics and potential consequences of global agri-food standards. For all interested in the strategic use of food and agricultural standards – from those in national and international governmental agencies, researchers and others in the academic and private sector to those in the private business sector – this volume offers a broader perspective on and will serve as an important resource.