{"product_id":"9780817999162","title":"Agriculture and the Environment: Searching for Greener Pastures","description":"U.S. agriculture is the envy of the world. Although output from U.S. farms is high, there is a growing gap between what is being produced and what could be produced, partly because innovation and production are constrained by a growing maze of environmental regulations.   \u003cp\u003e  The chapters, authored by leading experts in their fields, focus on the major environmental constraints that limit U.S. food production without necessarily improving environmental quality. Each paper documents a specific issue, discusses the regulatory response, and offers ideas for reform.   \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       U.S. farmland  Are we really running out of prime farmland? Or is this just another example of Chicken Little? \u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       Sensitive habitat   How can environmentally sensitive land be preserved? Does it make sense to set aside habitat forever? How can the market process be strengthened? \u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       Urban sprawl and agricultural land   Can controls on agricultural land use prevent urban sprawl? Are there market alternatives to command and control? \u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       Chemicals and agriculture   The use of agricultural chemicals accounts for much  of the high growth of output from U.S. farms. Are chemicals that contribute to agricultural productivity harmful to the environment? Have regulations made things better or worse? Can we return to natural farming? At what cost? \u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       Genetically engineered food products   Are genetically modified crops dangerous to human health? Do they harm the environment or improve it by reducing pesticide and chemical use? Will more regulations on genetic engineering  harm the environment?\u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       Taxation How do taxes affect land use? Are they an effective tool for encouraging productivity?\u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       Water What is the role for water markets in agriculture? Can they balance water use with in-stream environmental demands? Why are farmers concerned about water markets?\u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003e       Endangered species protection   How has the Endangered Species Act affected U.S. farmers and ranchers? Has it worked? How can species-protecting market incentives be introduced? \u003c\/li\u003e  \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Hoover Institution Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47124047921392,"sku":"9780817999162","price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780817999162_p0.jpg?v=1763749408","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780817999162","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}