The Economics of Agro-Chemicals: An International Overview of Use Patterns, Technical and Institutional Determinants, Policies and Perspectives (International Association of Agricultural Economists)

In recent years a number of long-term global food supply-demand projections have been made. Though there is considerable disagreement, all are unanimous about one point - that demand will double by the year 2025. This increase is due to the combined effects of population and income growth. As the purchasing power of millions of people in third world countries rise, the first thing they do is alter their diet to consume more fresh fruit and vegetables and more animal protein. Whether this planet has to grow three times as much food or "only" twice as much, growing it in a manner that protects the quality of the environment is the problem examined by this book. To attain the goal will require a high technology, science-based agriculture around the globe and this book explores the use of agro-chemicals and their effects.