Agriculture and farming Books

Book SynopsisThis compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including the efficacy of growing and consuming locally grown produce in New England (USA) and New Zealand; significance of seed and root crop properties in organic farming; diagnostic methods for seed-transmitted viruses; remotely sensed detection and monitoring of crop diseases; rice tolerance to the impact of high temperatures; enzyme activity variability in soils under medicinal and food-crop plants; and determining the efficient relations between climatic factors and cotton flower and boll production behaviours.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including meeting the challenges of food security of 21st century by earthworms; the effect of organic sources of insect pest management strategies and nutrients on cotton insect pests; in vitro culture techniques; nanoscience applied in agriculture for food production; retrosynthetic strategies for the preparation of heterocyclic rings present in pesticides; application of soil and water assessment modeling tools in agricultural research; potato peels in the treatment of burn wounds; and enzymatic saccharification of lemon peel and antioxidative ability of saccharified peel solution.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLocal and regional food systems generally refer to agricultural production and marketing that occurs within a certain geographic proximity (between farmer and consumer) or that involves certain social or supply chain characteristics in producing food (such as small family farms, urban gardens, or farms using sustainable agriculture practices). Sales of locally produced foods comprise a small but growing part of U.S. agricultural sales. USDA estimates that farm-level value of local food sales totaled about $4.8 billion in 2008, or about 1.6% of the U.S. market for agricultural products. An estimated total of 107,000 farms are engaged in local food systems, or about 5% of all U.S. farms. This book provides background on local and regional food systems, focusing on available data on direct-to-consumer sales, farmers'' markets, farm-to-school programs, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and community gardens. It highlights available resources within existing federal programs administered by USDA and other agencies that may be applied to support local food systems. This book also describes some of the Obama Administration''s initiatives that leverage existing USDA programs to support local food systems. Finally, this book discusses some of the legislative options that have been proposed by Congress and intended to broaden support for local and regional food systems.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field including chapters on the general authenticity issues associated with various dairy products; enzymatic approaches that can enhance the extraction of food constituents from diverse agricultural resources; recent research on polymorphism of high stearic high oleic (HSHO) sunflower oil stearins; the effects of food processing and canning technologies on the nutritional value of foods; the process of selection and improvement of maize cultivars; the classification, quantification and physicochemical characterization of the mesquite seed protein; an analysis of the technological strategies and research trends that have been developed for the transition of traditional sugarcane field crops to sustainable and diversified commercial plantations; and strategies to conserve water, a key natural resource for survival of life on earth, and one which is a ''vanishing resource.''

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgricultural Management for Climate Change includes work from various international institutions that consider agricultural management to address climatic changes and extremes. Our team of editors and authors hope to add a valuable contribution to address global climate change in relation to agricultural ecosystems in vulnerable locations. For this book and its contents, the intended audience includes the international climate change community: contributors to the UNFCCC-IPCC process, policymakers, consultants, project developers, researchers and their institutions. Agricultural Management for Climate Change aims to be a valuable addition to multidisciplinary and international cooperation efforts (policies, cultural practices, new technologies, and adaptation measures), to development and selection appropriate GHG mitigation measures, governmental and nongovernmental agencies worldwide as well as the general public. The editors of Agricultural Management for Climate Change believe the book is an effective tool to help the international community progress in understanding management of agricultures role in GHG mitigation and also agricultural adaptation options. They aim to address climate change through international collaboration and cooperation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisClimate change poses significant risks to future crop productivity as temperatures rise, rainfall patterns become more variable, and pest and disease pressures increase. The use of crop genetic resources to develop varieties more tolerant to rapidly changing environmental conditions will be an important part of agricultural adaptation to climate change. Finding new genetic traits that can facilitate adaptation -- and incorporating them into commercially successful varieties -- is time-consuming, expensive, and technically difficult. This book reviews the types of genetic resources, the ways they have been used, and how they might be used in the future. The book also discusses economic, scientific, and institutional factors that will determine the extent of genetic resource use and the benefits it might bring to climate change adaptation. Moreover, this title evaluates economic and institutional factors influencing the flow of genetic resources, including international agreements, and their significance for agricultural research and development in the United States. Finally, the book examines the composition of U.S. and international seed markets, regulations affecting agricultural seeds, the structure and evolution of the seed industry, and trends in private and public R&D in plant breeding.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRice, an ancient grain, is the primary staple for more than half the world''s population, through its role in the diets of billions of low-income, food-insecure consumers. Its vital role makes its availability and price politically sensitive for governments in several regions. Government intervention is often aimed at keeping prices affordable, especially for low-income consumers. In some cases, government intervention also encourages domestic production to promote national self-sufficiency. The United States faces little direct competition domestically and relies heavily on export markets; exports account for about half of the annual crop each year. This book investigates factors affecting the global competitiveness of the U.S. rice industry. It provides an overview of the rice industry in the United States and other major global producing and exporting countries and provides information on recent trade trends and developments in the global market for rice. It supplies a comparison of the competitive strengths and weaknesses of rice production and exports in the United States and other major exporting countries and assesses the impact of government policies and programs of major producing and exporting countries.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMost U.S. farms are family operations, and even the largest farms are predominantly family-run. Small farms are less profitable than larger farms, on average, and their operator households tend to rely on off-farm income for their livelihood. Generally speaking, farm operator households cannot be characterised as low-income when both farm and off-farm incomes are considered. Small family farms dominate the farm count, but midsize and large-scale family farms account for the bulk of farm production. Information on the different kinds of farms -- and the farmers who operate them -- is important for understanding the economic wellbeing of farm households and the implications of farm policy. This book proves accurate, detailed, and unbiased information on the structure and finances of U.S. farms, including the relationship of farm size and type to agricultural production, financial performance, sources of farm household income, and the extent of off-farm work. The book provides a sense of the financial position of family farms in general and of different types of family farms.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLarge farms now dominate crop production in the United States. Although most cropland was operated by farms with less than 600 crop acres in the early 1980s, today most cropland is on farms with at least 1,100 acres, and many farms are 5 and 10 times that size. This ongoing shift in farm structure raises a host of questions. How extensive is this structural change? What forces have accompanied and contributed to the shift to larger farms? What implications do these structural shifts have for family farms? The shift of acreage to larger farms is part of a complex set of structural changes in crop agriculture. The number of mid-size crop farms has declined, while farm numbers at the extremes (large and small) are growing. Because of these changes, average farm size has changed little in the last three decades, even while cropland and crop production have shifted to much larger farms. This book documents the complex nature of modern farm structure and introduces statistics aimed at better tracking consolidation of land and production. Furthermore, this book looks at small acreage farms having gross sales of $10,000 or more in a given year to better understand the product choices and strategies used by small acreage farms that appear to be operating profitably.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFarm businesses'' debt-use decisions can affect their growth and survival, as well as the economic vitality of farm-dependent rural communities. Thus policymakers, agricultural lenders, and other farm-sector participants closely follow trends in farm debt. This book is a primer on the use of debt by U.S. farm businesses for policymakers, researchers, and others interested in the financial well-being of U.S. agriculture. It presents data on basic debt-use patterns by farm businesses (in 2011, over 900,000 farms operated as farm businesses based on their size, organisational structure, or the occupation of their principal operator) and explores key trends over 20 years. U.S. farm debt use varies widely by farm size, specialisation, operator age, and other farm characteristics.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. The first chapter examines intercropping systems as a way of increasing productivity of land. The following chapter discusses hyperspectral imaging as an emerging and green chemistry technique for non-destructive and rapid food analysis. Chapter three also discusses hyperspectral imaging, with an emphasis on carrots. Chapter four aims to review recent progress and development in hydroxycinnamic acid research in barley seed and barley hull in terms of structure, biodegradation characteristics and its interrelationship to nutrient utilisation and availability in ruminant. Chapter five summarises the use of near-infrared spectroscopy as a cotton fiber quality assessment. Chapter six characterises the mean volatile composition of five distilled alcoholic beverages. Chapter seven summarises challenges associated with the processing of milk naturally enriched with bioactive lipids. Chapter eight shows the possibilities of the use of bamboo in building material and food. The final chapter aims to develop a comprehensive system of control measures against diseases of sugar beets.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgriculture is one of the defining elements of a nation. This series consists of analyses on a variety of agricultural issues including (but not limited to) the developments, policies, programs, trade, trends and economics of agriculture. Topics will be seen from a U.S. perspective, but not to the exclusion of other countries particularly when the discussion has an international scope. Topics discussed in this issue include farm safety net programs; specialty crop provision in the 2014 Farm Bill; background and issues in agricultural research; the effects of recent energy price reductions on U.S. agriculture; and the effect of transportation costs on fresh fruit and vegetable prices.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the structure and function of the U.S. nutrition research system, with an emphasis on trends in Federal support. It describes how nutrition research is used, especially for nutrition education and communication, but also for regulation and food assistance. The book uses the Human Nutrition Research Information Management database maintained by the National Institutes of Health to analyse long-term trends. Furthermore, this book provides a background, and examines issues of agricultural research; and shows scenarios of public agricultural research spending and future U.S. agricultural productivity growth.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisItaly''s peculiar cultural variability is the result of population movements and invasions from the Mediterranean Sea, which took place in both historical and prehistoric times. Due to many interesting places such as the city of Rome, Central Italy was endured by migrants, who have contributed to Italy''s culture, linguistics and also genetics. Chapter One reconstructs human demic movements in central Italy using both archeology and genetics. Chapter Two addresses issues in the conceptual context of land take, which is a change in agriculture, forestry, and other lands due to urbanisation and artificial land development, in Sardinian urban areas of Italy. Moreover, global warming has had a negative impact on water balance, natural systems, and agriculture activities. Chapter Three provides a seasonal analysis of crop evapotranspiration based on the Penman-Monteith equation in the Po River Delta in Italy.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the developments, issues and research outlook of global agriculture. Topics discussed in this compilation include reviews of historical trends in Chinese corn yields in order to assess the potential for future growth; discussions on the impact that pre- and post-2004 reforms had on Public Distribution System (PDS) consumption and on rates of food insecurity; and studies on the growth in broiler meat exports to several major markets.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMonoculture farming is nowadays a widespread practice throughout the world. In order to meet the food demand of rapidly increasing populations, the diverse agroecosystems have been converted mostly into single cropping sectors. Even though food productivity with high input has been boosted to some extent, it is at the cost of local biodiversity loss. This book, drawing examples from several tropical and sub-tropical countries, documents some of the most prevailing monoculture practices and their socio-economic and environmental influences. It describes widespread commercial monoculture of rubber and oil palm, as well as the invasion of exotic mono-plantations in the forestry sector. Both rubber and oil palm are highly lucrative businesses, and these industries have brought positive impacts on rural development, regional economies, including lifting small farmers out of poverty. The rapid expansion of oil palm and rubber in the last few decades has resulted in widespread deforestation, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions in the tropics, and has also negatively affected the livelihoods of many local communities. Similar effects have also been observed in the case of the conversion of heterogenous forests into monocuture plantations. An integrated land use planning approach is suggested in order to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive benefits of monoculture farming. Further, enhancing plant-soil microbial interactions through innoculation of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi for soil fertility management is also suggested. With up-to-date information on this subject matter, this book will benefit researchers, academics, students, policymakers and practitioners.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. The first chapter discusses strategies for the management and mitigation of herbicide-resistant weeds. Chapter Two revises the available information about the diversity and plant growth promotion abilities of bacterial endophytes isolated from legume nodules and from roots of different plants, focusing on their interest for crop biofertilization. Chapter Three presents process-related technological information for the synthesis and purification of bioactive peptides from soybean and their functional properties. Chapter Four focuses on the nutritional value of wheat germ-supplemented foods, for humans and animals alike, with a specific emphasis on the protein and essential amino acid content of these foods and its related health benefits. Chapter Five provides an overview of the importance of fatty acids (FA), fructans, lipids and lipopolysaccharides in determining some grain and malt composition. Chapter Six gives insights into the production and commercialization of transgenic wheat. Chapter Seven reviews the modification of barley by binary acrylic monomers and its applications.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis monograph consists of seven chapters that provide unique perspectives concerning issues related to agricultural research. Chapter One reviews techniques for the conversion of liquid digestate into solid products through pelletization, granulation, and other emerging technologies. Chapter Two compiles information on the benefits and potential risks of livestock waste treatment by composting and anaerobic digestion and discusses the effects of livestock compost and digested slurry on yield and quality of fresh-market tomatoes and rice grown in northern Japan. Chapter Three focuses on different systems of cyanobacteria that aid in sustainable agricultural practices. Chapter Four assesses the peer-reviewed literature concerning the effects of agricultural intensification on the conservation status of reptiles in Mediterranean woody crops. Chapter Five describes the preparation and mode of action of edible vaccines, as well as their application in areas such as cancer therapy, birth control, inhibiting autoimmune diseases, recombinant drug therapy, and more. Chapter Six reviews the value of essential oils as natural antimicrobial agents for increasing the shelf life and safety of minimally processed food. Finally, Chapter Seven discusses the methods and scope of plant genetic engineering as well as the applications, advantages and effects of genetically engineered plants on human health and the environment.Table of ContentsPreface; Production of Solid Fertilizers from Anaerobic Digestion Liquid Residue; Livestock Waste: Treatment and Utilization in Cropping Systems; Harnessing Cyanobacteria for Sustainable Agricultural Farming Practices; The Role of Intensive Agriculture in Mediterranean Woody Crops as Regards the Conservation of Reptiles; Genetically Modified Crops for Vaccine Production against Various Diseases; Minimally Processed Food Safety An Overview of Fruits and Vegetables Packaging Enriched with Bioactive Agents; Recent Advancements in Agriculture with Special Reference to Genetically Modified Plants; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis edited volume presents five chapters, each detailing recent updates in agricultural research. Chapter One studies acaricidal neuronal activity from the perspective of molecular level interactions with receptor-proteins. Chapter Two deals with the use of omics technologies for developing soybean cultivars with improved seed longevity and permeability. Chapter Three summarizes the results of two investigations of various nutritional properties of the aerial parts of soybean cultivar Eiko at seven stages classified as vegetative stages and reproductive stages during the 2014 growing season. Chapter Four describes the production of crocin and its potential as a biocolorant in polymer products. Lastly, Chapter Five discusses the relationships between aphids and plants as well as strategies for following and controlling aphid behavior.Table of ContentsPreface; Acaricidal Neuronal Activity from the Perspective of Molecular Level Interactions with Receptor-Proteins: A Theoretical Study; Omics: Way Forward to Characterize Soybean Seed Longevity and Permeability; Nutritional Properties of Soybean (Glycine Max[L.] Merr.) Plant During Growth Cycle; Crocin Production and Its Prospect as Biocolorant in Polymer Products; Aphids and Host Plants Relationships; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume includes some of the latest advancements in agricultural research. Chapter One deals with some of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Chapter Two presents an overview of the different genetic resources available for breeders of rosemary. Chapter Three explores different methods of controlling root rot in avocados. Chapter Four describes the main sources of histamine in food and the analytical methods for its detection. Chapter Five evaluates the influence of inoculating native Colombian arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores isolated from an avocado crop on the growth, physical and anatomical characteristics of corn seedlings. Chapter Six aims to determine in vitro the antifungal potential of the essential oils (EO) of Lippia alba and Lippia origanoides on the mycelial growth of Fusarium sp., Pythium sp., and Phytophthora sp. Chapter Seven isolates and evaluates the growth-promoting capacity of rhizospheric bacteria associated with avocado plantations. Chapter Eight explains the development of solid-liquid extraction, flocculation and adsorption for obtaining steviol glycosides from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. Chapter Nine focuses on flocculation for the clarification of Stevia rebaudiana aqueous extract.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is mainly focused on issues related to soil and ecosystem management. At present, management of soil from an ecosystem perspective is a prime concern for biodiversity conservation and can only be achieved after proper scientific management of the rhizosphere. The ecosystem services are varied with benefits to humans given by the nature-based environment. These ecosystems include crop ecosystems, forest ecosystems, agro ecosystems, grassland ecosystems, and aquatic ecosystems. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAOUN) in the section Ecosystem Services & Biodiversity (ESB), the ecosystem services are the multitude of benefits that nature provides to society. Biodiversity is diversity among living organisms, which is essential to ecosystem function and services delivery. According to FAOUN, ecosystem could be understood as living elements which interact with each other and their non-living environments, providing benefits, or services, to the world. Meanwhile, ecosystem services make human life possible by, for example, providing nutritious food and clean water, regulating disease and climate, supporting the pollination of crops and soil formation, and providing recreational, cultural and spiritual benefits. Despite an estimated value of $125 trillion, these assets are not adequately accounted for in political and economic policy, which means there is insufficient investment in their protection and management. Biodiversity includes diversity within and among species and ecosystems. Changes in biodiversity can influence the supply of ecosystem services. Biodiversity, as with ecosystem services, must be protected and sustainably managed. The present book focuses on soil and ecosystem management with a possible solution to manage the soil ecosystem.Table of ContentsPreface; Role of Legumes in Cropping Systems for Soil Ecosystem Improvement; Novel Silver Nanoparticles as a Modern Defense Tool in Agro-Ecosystems; Nano Techniques for Efficient Fertilizer Management; Nitrogen Management in Field Crops and Strategies for Enhancing Its Efficiency; Unravelling the Significance of ACC-Deaminase in Sustainable Arid Soil Management; Reclamation of Deteriorated Soils Utilizing Green Approaches; Sustainable Management and Restoration of the Fertility of Damaged Soils; Agronomic and Economic Assessment of Site Specific Nutrient Management in Crop Production; The Risk Associated with Crop Ecosystem Management and Pesticides Pollution; Nanotechnology: An Efficient Tool in Plant Nutrition Management; Climate Change Effects on Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Ecosystem Services in an Indian Context; Overview of Soil Fertility from Past to Present; Stubble Burning in Rice-Wheat Cropping System: A Threat to the Ecosystem; Fertilizer Recommendations by Using Different Geospatial Technologies in Precision Farming or Nanotechnology; Use of Organic Soil Amendments for Improving Soil Ecosystem Health and Crop Productivity; Fluorescent Pseudomonades: Diversity, Abundance and Potential Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture; Soil Fertility Management: Issues and Challenges in Tropical Areas of Nigeria; Ecosystem Management of Degraded Red and Lateritic Soil through Agroforestry; Sustainable Technology for Replenishing Ecological Soil Health; Emergence of Nanotechnology in Efficient Nutrient Management in Soil; Current State of Knowledge in Diagnosis and Mitigation of Micronutrients Deficiency in Crop Production from an Indian Perspective; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume includes seven chapters that present recent updates in the field of agricultural research. Chapter One discusses the role of stress-responsive genes and protein kinases in Arabidopsis thaliana to overcome abiotic stress. Chapter Two provides an overview of the cultivation and production of almonds, as well as the characteristics and composition of the seed. Chapter Three describes the botanical and chemical properties as well as usage areas and health effects of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Chapter Four argues that GMO-free RNAi crops can contribute immensely towards sustainable agriculture and global food security in the near future. Chapter Five analyses the agricultural conditions of Kalapara Upazila''s five unions and eight mouzas. Chapter Six discusses eco-friendly management strategies of diseases and insect pests of mushrooms. Lastly, Chapter Seven studies fungi of the genus Fusarium and their impact as a pathogen on cereals in Russia.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume includes eight chapters that provide updates in agricultural research. Chapter One elucidates utilization of refined soybean oil and the by-products from the refinery process relating to food production. Chapter Two deals with the use of single 6-benzylaminopurine spray to increase biomass accumulation in cacti. Chapter Three examines the governance efficiency of agricultural farms in Bulgaria. Chapter Four highlights the contribution of organic matter in traditional soil fertility management practices. Chapter Five addresses the potential of saponins in mycorrhizal plants for enhancing biosynthesis. Chapter Six examines the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth and secondary metabolites on herbs including oregano, sage, basil, and others. Chapter Seven explicates the different aspects of soil fertility and its importance in agriculture. Lastly, Chapter Eight evaluates the extraction of polyphenols of some agro-industrial co-products with soybean oil as solvent to enhance antioxidant properties.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBill 6, the government of Alberta’s contentious farm workers’ safety legislation, sparked public debate as no other legislation has done in recent years. The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act provides a right to work safely and a compensation system for those killed or injured at work, similar to other provinces. In nine essays, contributors to Farm Workers in Western Canada place this legislation in context. They look at the origins, work conditions, and precarious lives of farm workers in terms of larger historical forces such as colonialism, land rights, and racism. They also examine how the rights and privileges of farm workers, including seasonal and temporary foreign workers, conflict with those of their employers, and reveal the barriers many face by being excluded from most statutory employment laws, sometimes in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Contributors: Gianna Argento, Bob Barnetson, Michael J. Broadway, Jill Bucklaschuk, Delna Contractor, Darlene A. Dunlop, Brynna Hambly (Takasugi), Zane Hamm, Paul Kennett, Jennifer Koshan, C.F. Andrew Lau, J. Graham Martinelli, Shirley A. McDonald, Robin C. McIntyre, Nelson Medeiros, Kerry Preibisch, Heidi Rolfe, Patricia Tomic, Ricardo Trumper, and Kay Elizabeth Turner.Trade Review"The book’s subtitle — Injustices and Activism — captures the two main themes it explores: the horrible exploitation that many farm workers endure, and the efforts they and their supporters have made to organize for reforms. This book represents a compelling argument that those of us who depend on the life-supporting work done by Canadians and temporary foreign workers on Canadian farms ought to support their efforts to unionize and their insistence that existing safety regulations should be enforced more aggressively." [Full article at http://vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/book-review-exposing-the-injustices-that-lie-beneath-the-canadian-dinner-table] -- Tom Sandborn * Vancouver Sun *"Am currently reading 'Farm Workers in Western Canada: Injustices and Activism' and am absolutely convinced that the Farm Safety Enhancement Bill was the morally right decision to provide safety, protection and compensation for farm families and workers... In time Bill 6 may become recognized as one of [Alberta's] best, progressive pieces of legislation." -- Bruce Hinkley, Wetaskiwin-Camrose MLA * Wetaskiwin Times *"The nine essays in this volume show how dynamics such as global agribusiness concentration have made meat processors and farm workers vulnerable to low-wage, unhealthy and dangerous jobs. This timely book thus underscores why legislated worker rights are crucial... Interspersed throughout the book are first-hand accounts from the pesticide applicators and carcass disassembly lines. Candid stories from Alberta farm worker Darlene Dunlop's 15 years of activism are particularly memorable.... Several chapters on migrant workers in BC, Manitoba and Alberta powerfully illuminate the barriers faced by racialized, non-citizen workers in exercising their rights... While the struggle for justice in Canadian fields and factories is unfinished, this book reminds us of workers' perseverance despite grinding indignity." -- Anelyse Weiler * Alberta Views *"One of the greatest strengths of this book is its emphasis on unsettling a series of longstanding myths about agriculture in western Canada.... In the second half of the book, the contributors continue to explore the role of government policies and racialization in other agricultural sectors and provinces... A particular strength of the book is its focus on understanding the hierarchical, classed, and racialized nature of farm labour..." [Full review at https://muse.jhu.edu/article/677191] -- Rachel Herron * Labour/Le Travail *"Readers interested in examining the topic of agricultural labor on the northern Great Plains will find Farm Workers in Western Canada to be particularly valuable.... Readers who desire a multidisciplinary approach to the topic will be especially satisfied. The book's contributors represent a diverse variety of areas of expertise including sociologists, labor relations specialists, and legal professionals. These authors employ a variety of approaches while examining the contested farm labor issue across the diverse landscapes of western Canada.... Editors Shirley A. McDonald and Bob Barnetson have succeeded greatly in assembling a collection of essays that provide fresh insights in understanding the plight of those who work in hazardous conditions to provide food for an ever-growing global population." [Full review at https://muse.jhu.edu/article/690178] -- Derek S. Oden * Great Plains Research *"McDonald and Barnetson’s collection is an important contribution to our understanding of the multitude of factors that constitute the industrial agriculture food system. Their interdisciplinary approach examines the historical, legal, and current issues facing farm workers from British Columbia to Manitoba. While the legal route may be the simplest solution to solving these problems, this volume clearly shows that many forces and levels of government are at work exploiting these workers." [Full review at: https://bcstudies.com/book_film_review/farm-workers-in-western-canada-injustices-and-activism/] -- Nick Fast * BC Studies *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements // Shirley A. McDonald Introduction // Bob Barnetson and Shirley A. McDonald ONE CAPITALIST FARMS, VULNERABLE WORKERS The Political Economy of Farm Work in Alberta // Bob Barnetson TWO THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF AN ALBERTA FARM WORKER AND ACTIVIST // Darlene A. Dunlop with Shirley A. McDonald THREE GEORGIC THEMES AND MYTHS OF ENTITLEMENT IN THE LIFE WRITING OF PRAIRIE SETTLERS // Shirley A. McDonald FOUR COWS, MEAT, PEOPLE The Social Effects of Migrant Meat Processors in Brooks, Alberta // Michael J. Broadway FIVE A TEMPORARY PROGRAM FOR PERMANENT GAINS? Considering the Workplace Experiences of Temporary Foreign Workers in Manitoba’s Hog-Processing Industry // Jill Bucklaschuk SIX WORKING AWAY Exploring the Lived Experiences of Farm Owner-Operators with Off-Farm Employment in Alberta // Zane Hamm SEVEN FARMING THE CONSTITUTION The Illegality of Excluding Alberta Farm Workers from Labour and Employment Legislation // Jennifer Koshan, Gianna Argento, Delna Contractor, Brynna Hambly (Takasugi), Paul Kennett, C.F. Andrew Lau, J. Graham Martinelli, Robin C. McIntyre, Nelson Medeiros, Heidi Rolfe, and Kay Elizabeth Turner EIGHT BC-GROWN Examining the Place-Embeddedness of Managed Migration and Farm Labour Markets in British Columbia // Kerry Preibisch NINE LABOURING IN THE “FOUR-SEASON PARADISE” Workers and Agriculture in the Okanagan Valley // Patricia Tomic and Ricardo Trumper Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this eye-opening and engaging book, founder and chief executive of REAL Success, Paul Harris, examines some of the hard truths and challenges behind why so many farm owners and managers struggle to maintain a thriving, happy and loyal workforce. The lessons and learning uncovered throughout this captivating story will help you think differently about your team and your role as a leader. Whether you’re working with family members, long-term employees or casual hired hands, you’ll see how careful listening and communication, as well as embracing the diversity and difference in your team, are key to creating a happy, supportive and successful working environment for everyone involved. Tensions and conflicts are rising on Peter’s farm, putting team and family dynamics under enormous pressure. Then a potentially devastating event forces everyone to reflect on their beliefs and attitudes. With help from the enigmatic ‘Chairman’ and driven by Peter’s wife’s deep desire to keep the family together and their business alive, the whole team comes together on an odyssey of change that will transform them, the farm and everyone’s future. Throughout the story you’ll discover insights and takeaways about how small changes in style and slight shifts in mindset can make a huge difference to the success of your team and how they feel about working with you, putting you, your farm and your team on course to a brighter future.Trade Review“A simple story with a powerful message.” Mike King – farm owner, Two Pools Farm“This story is typical of many farming families and teams.” Austin Knowles - farm owner, Hollings Hill Farm“This may be the making of your business. Read the story with an open mind to understand your team and your family.” Rupert Major - farm owner, Major Farming

Read more less

Book SynopsisEven though traditional microfinance has successfully paved the way for offering financial services to low-income populations without traditional collateral, many microfinance institutions (MFIs) are still reluctant to move into rural areas and agricultural finance, due to the perceived high risks and costs. Daniela Rottger's research demonstrates how MFIs can mitigate risks and costs of lending to smallholder farmers by using a combination of proven traditional microfinance mechanisms while adapting specific loan features and lending mechanisms to the particularities of smallholder agriculture. She systematically compares traditional microfinance risk management mechanisms with agricultural microfinance approaches and identifies successful strategies. For this purpose, eight MFIs providing agricultural finance to smallholder farmers in four countries in East and West Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Benin, Cameroon) were interviewed and their loan features and agricultural lending mechanism were analyzed. The study shows that MFIs can successfully serve smallholder farmers in rural areas. However, the extent of adaptations is reason enough not to commit to such an endeavor lightly. A strong commitment combined with sound in-house knowledge of agricultural value chains and the flexibility to adapt loan terms and lending procedures to the particularities of agriculture are needed to successfully develop and sustain agricultural microfinance.Trade Review"This book is a concrete example of how very good practical, field based re-search can help practitioners and the sector in general to better understand some of their key challenges and to open new opportunities for development and innovation." --Philippe Guichandut, Head of Development and Technical Assistance at the Grameen Credit Agricole Microfinance Foundation

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisUrgent call for massive investment in agriculture for development, food security, and poverty reduction. Book delves into sector complexities, advocates for sustainable transformation, and emphasizes agriculture's role in sustainable development, food security, and environmental challenges. Calls for changing sector perceptions and policies.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis work is considered culturally important and part of civilization's knowledge base. It has been reproduced true to the original with copyright references and library stamps. Available in the public domain for distribution. Contains historical artifacts that are important for preservation and public access.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPlant biochemistry is an important emerging field in the agricultural sciences. Basic knowledge of the chemistry and the biochemical mechanisms of the plant in synthesizing various components is essential for advancements needed in other areas of agriculture like plant breeding, plant protection, plant production, etc. In the recent past, biotechnology and biochemistry are moving hand in glove to solve many problems related to humans and other living beings. The book is aimed at providing good information to graduate and post-graduate students in agriculture and biology. It will also serve as a reference book to researchers in plant breeding, agronomy, plant physiology and plant protection and will come in handy to solve many global problems by the present and future generations.Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Carbohydrates 3. Lipids 4. Amino Acids 5. Peptides 6. Proteins 7. Enzymes 8. Nucleic Acids 9. Plant Metabolism 10. Carbohydrate Metabolism 11. Lipid Metabolism 12. Amino Acid Metabolism 13. Protein Metabolism 14. Terpenes 15. Phenolics 16. Plant Pigments 17. Sterols 18. Alkaloids 19. Vitamins 20. Plant Growth Regulators 21. Nitrogen Metabolism 22. Plant Cell

Read more less

Book SynopsisCovering Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Agriculture in the Malaysian Region, originally published in 1982, presents a detailed description of the region's agro-systems, including shifting cultivation, wet rice production, smallholder tree-crop and mixed forms cultivation, plantation systems, and intensive market-gardening with livestock production. For this edition, the author has updated the original text while retaining the original framework of analysis, setting major developments in agriculture against the backdrop of cultural change affecting the region's economy as a whole. Singapore has seen a shift from highly labour intensive production to very capital intensive and specialised forms of production. Capital intensity has also increased in Malaysia, which now faces the problem of increasing labour costs. The book concludes with an attempt to identify likely changes in the agricultural sector in the medium term.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less