Goals of Policy
      From the social goal of saving family farm to the “economic goal 
        of providing tools by which farm business can reduce risk”
      From the goal of adjusting production to market to the “goal of 
        expanding demand, remaining competitive, and achieving open 
        markets internationally”
      From the goal of soil conservation to the goal of “sustainable 
        production in the utilizaton of land, air and water.
      From the goal of maintaining adequate food reserves into the 
        goal of “food security, food safety, and homeland security”. 
      From the goal of domestic demand expansion into eating wisely 
        and in moderation
      From the goal of expanding the use of agriculture’s production 
        capacity to help meet energy needs   
                                         
    The Role of the Economists: Four distinct 
    approaches used by the economists in 
    policy analysis
     Scientific approach: Most frequently used in 
      science journals. Defining the problem, 
      reviewing the literature, hypothesis, testing 
      and drawing conclusions.Value judgements 
      as well.
     Analytical approach: Consequences are 
      devided into two columns: pro and cons, 
      advantages and disadvantages, costs and 
      benefits. Depends on one’s perspective.
                               
      Evangelistic approach: Used to make the case for 
       particular solution and to crusade for its adoption. 
       Activists. Most compelling arguments. Opponents as 
       well. Activists and advocates on both ends of the 
       farm policy spectrum.
      Educational aproach: Alternatives/consequences 
       method. Objectivity. Problem clearly defined, 
       alternative solutions and probable consequences 
       are analyzed.Emphasizes the consequences of the 
       alternatives.
                                   
    Crucial Policy Process 
    Questions
     What is?: Based on scientific and empirical 
      observations.  
     What can be?: Political elements..
     What will be?: Forecast
     What should be?: Value judgements
                               
    Goals of Policy 
    Analysis
         Reducing uncertainty and providing 
           information for decision makers in the 
           public arena
         As systematic evaluation of the technical  
           and economic feasibility and political 
           viability of alternative policies, strategies 
           for implementation, and consequences for 
           policy adoption.