Policy analysts designing programs to improve the
efficiency and expand the use of water in the irrigation of
farm lands often enlist benefit-cost analysis as a means of
assessing impacts and feasibility. While on-site comparisons
of costs and benefits are important factors in project
assessment, other dimensions such as risk,...
Changes in the structure of the U.S. agricultural
industry since World War II have transformed it into a
highly productive component of the domestic economy. But
these changes have not occurred without indirect costs. For
example, the reliance on agricultural chemicals has produced
environmental effects causing growing concern. In addition,...