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Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico, 2005.
A look at different solutions to the problem of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico.
1,511 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how fishermen, agriculturalists, scientists and legislatures are all major players in the issue of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. It looks at how numerous legislatures have been passed and acts created to correct the issue of hypoxia and how, as hypoxia continues to be an issue of concern, these acts are becoming the focal point in hope of minimizing the effects .
Outline
Resolved Issues
Unresolved Issues
From the Paper
"According to Otto Doering, a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University, farmers can use a variety of methods to cut the flow of excess nitrogen by 20 percent to 25 percent without hurting food prices or farm exports. Anything less than this though would cause serious problems in food costs and farming (Sciencedaily.com). Only a small portion of the nitrogen coming down the Mississippi is from sewage treatment plants and factories. The bulk of it is non-point nitrogen. That means it is not from a specific source, but is nitrogen that comes off the land or through the soil. A large portion of the nitrogen that comes through the land and soil comes from fertilizer applied by farmers (Sciencedaily.com)."
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Agricultural Subsidies, 2005.
Pros and cons of subsidies for and tariffs on, agricultural products by first world countries.
2,024 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper deals with the issue of free trade in agricultural products versus protectionism that is one of the fiercest international economic debates. It discusses the arguments of the proponents of free trade who believe in opening the global market with as few restrictions on trade as possible and those of the proponents of protectionism who believe in concentrating on the welfare of the domestic farming community. The stage at which the talks over subsidies take place is the World Trade Organization ("WTO").
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Economics of Agriculture
Some Numbers
A Comparative Advantage of the Poor
The Reasons for Protectionism
The WTO and the Prisoner's Dilemma
From the Paper
"However, why do the rich countries like those of the European Union as well as the US today still subsidize their farmers to the tune of billions of dollars a year? Beginning in the 1930s most industrialized countries developed agricultural price-support policies to reduce the volatility of prices for farm products and to increase, or at least stabilize, farm income. Subsequently, in food-exporting countries, such as the United States and France, agricultural subsidies have been designed primarily to increase farm income, either by raising the long-term level of prices above free-market levels or by providing direct payments to farmers."
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The Hong Kong Ministerial Meet, 2006.
An extensive analysis of the outcome of the Hong Kong Ministerial on agriculture, political economy and diplomacy.
3,437 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the extent to which the promises made at the WTO Ministerial at Hong Kong by rich countries, especially the European Union and the United States, can be fulfilled within the time frame stated i.e. 2013. It examines the prospects of how soon the international trade in agriculture can start taking place on a fair and level playing field for all countries. The paper questions whether the production processes are competitive in these countries and explores how the political economy of each country plays a role in the issue of governmental support.
From the Paper
"Agriculture has evolved as one of the major issues in the WTO negotiations, which is much more complicated than any other issues at hand. For the coming WTO Ministerial Meet in December 2005, it was the turn to agree on formulas and other details that will determine the scale of reductions in tariffs on thousands of products and farm subsidies. Here we will confine our discussion only on the agricultural sector. Many have seen the Hong Kong Meet as a lost opportunity for the developing nations to make trade fairer for poor people around the world. Rich countries put their commercial interests before those of the developing countries and most of the difficult decisions were postponed for a further meeting early in the year 2006. This has been the trend in the previous rounds of negotiations also. The Oxfam International Briefing Paper number 85 'correctly' observes that it was far from clear why rich countries that were unable to show the necessary leadership in Hong Kong will behave any differently in a few months' time. In fact, it would have been unwise to expect them to behave differently even at Hong Kong. Since July 2004, nothing remarkable has changed. As always has been the case, this time too, the focus was on the US and the EU policies, which only matter because policies in these two large markets have the most impact on the global market prices of agricultural commodities. A glance at the last 50 years of history of agriculture in the US and the EU, will reveal that the agricultural subsidies in the US & EU have been a persistent phenomenon. At different times the policymakers have accorded different justifications for continuing the same. Nevertheless, all the different political economic theories share a common denominator that the principal goal of subsidies is 'to support farm income while minimizing budget costs'."
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The Geography of the Middle East, 2005.
Examines the climatic, agricultural and geological features of the Middle East.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The Middle East is located at a unique position on the Earth. At first, this region was part of the African and Asian continents. Over time, due to plate tectonics, the region altered its shape and location. It is now found at the junction between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Given this, it has some distinctiveness that is exclusive only to itself. This paper shows why the Middle East is unlucky in its environmental characteristics - climatically, geologically and agriculturally.
From the Paper
"It is a know hotspot for seismic activity and also has been known for its volcanic past. Due to the combined causes of the selective feeding of livestock and unusable soil, the agricultural system in the Middle East has suffered. The climate is barren and dry in many places in the Middle East. Also, the temperature swells, in the entire region, from an incredible degree of direct heat from the sun. Thus, the climate, as in all cases, is directly related to agriculture."
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Genetic Modification (GM), 2005.
A discussion on some basic methods of biotechnology and justification of the benefits of modifying the genes of our food supply.
1,804 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how genetic modification (GM), often known by the less ominous name of biotechnology, is the science of improving the genetic characteristics of plants to produce better, more healthful foods, as well as foods resistant to certain pests and those which will survive under harsh conditions. It looks at how, with the advent of gene technology, biotechnologists are now able to more easily produce abundant, better-quality and more nutritious food supplies to consumers.
From the Paper
"There are many arguable benefits to the modification of our foods, many of which are already in practice. The key difference between conventional breeding and genetic modification is that in the past it has only been possible to transfer traits between plants and animals of the same or very similar species. GM allows splicing between completely different species and even the combination of plant and animal genes. Because of this technology, scientists have now been able to create, for example, a type of maize that produces a protein from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. This protein kills the insect called a corn borer which is known to do considerable damage to maize crops."
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Genetically Modified Agriculture, 2005.
This paper argues that genetically modified agriculture leads to poverty in the Third World and other problems.
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although supporters of genetically modified agriculture claim that it increases crop yield, increases the nutritional content in the food and decreases the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; there are several concerns about the negative effects of this practice, especially for the Third World. The author points out that a major problem of genetically modified crops being used in the Third World is its cost for the seeds, which means that small farmers need to indenture to big firms, and, once genetically modified framing is used, soil nutrients are exhausted drastically and it becomes difficult to return to traditional farming with limited fertilizing. The paper urges that, while agricultural biotechnology is still young, the benefits and the risks of genetically modified agriculture should be considered more thoroughly especially its effect on the Third World even though this area suffers from lack of highly nutritional food.
From the Paper
"Some people, especially children, are highly allergic to certain types of foods like peanuts. According to Wesley Burks, the Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, allergic reactions to genetically modified food are usually limited to the skin and respiratory tract. Symptoms include urticaria, angioedema, pharyngeal edema, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Genetically modified foods may accidentally introduce a new allergen because modern technology makes genes possibly be introduced to totally dissimilar species, for example a cow gene can be put into a plant. Dr. Martha R. Herbert, a pediatric neurologist said that "with genetic engineering, familiar foods could become metabolically dangerous or even toxic." It is true that if the crop itself is not toxic or dangerous, it could still upset the complex biochemical networks and create new bioactive compounds or change the concentrations of those normally present."
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Biotechnology in Egypt, 2005.
The paper examines how biotechnology can aid developing countries, with a focus on Egypt. Paper has a 5.5 page outline not included in word count.
3,377 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that, due to Egypt's need for export earnings, its ever-increasing population, and its expertise in agriculture, the country should further invest in research and development, with an emphasis on R&D that leads to producing genetically modified crops. It explains that, despite Egypt's having limited financial resources, increased investment in biotechnological research and development will not be a waste of these resources, as the return on that investment will be substantial.
From the Paper
"Innovation is the ability to manage knowledge, as embodied in technology, in a creative way" ("United Nations"). The terms technology, knowledge and innovation are interrelated. Technological discoveries are derived from knowledge and result in innovation which then exploited to increase productivity and enhance competitiveness in the global market. Among the more significant innovations derived from knowledge, produced by research and technology, is the field of biotechnology. David R. Walwyn, a BSc chemical engineering, who has participated in several biotechnology policies and strategy initiatives, defines biotechnology in his book Biotechnologies, as "a body of techniques that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use." Biotechnology contributes to several life sectors, including health, food, water treatment and agriculture. Agricultural biotechnology, nowadays, is adopted in the majority of countries, particularly developing ones, due to its ability to produce transgenic seeds with modified traits that are resistant to viruses, insects, drought and salinity. Edgar J. DaSilva, Elias Baydon, a professor of Biology in American University in Beirut, and Adnan Badran, president of Philadelphia University in Jordan, stress the significance of biotechnology to developing countries in the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology. As they write, "biotechnology has become a source of economic development and social progress."
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GM Foods: A Right to Know, 2005.
Reviews the argument surrounding the labelling of genetically modified (GM) foods.
2,096 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 17 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that, although science has not established that genetically modified foods are dangerous and carry a health risk, they should be labeled because they may contain ingredients that cause allergies. It explains that consumer laws state that people have a right to information regarding the products they purchase; not informing consumers deprives them of their right to free choice.
From the Paper
"People are worried about the food they eat, the water they drink and the air they breathe. They have a right to be as in recent years, it seems to observers, that the rates of diseases such as cancer have increased tremendously and that new diseases, previously unheard of, such as Mad Cow and Sars, are threatening lives and health. It may be that people are healthier now than they ever previously were but, many do not think so and are very anxious about the spread of these deadly diseases. More importantly, many assume that these diseases are spread through the food that we eat. Needless to say, this has created greater consumer interest in the types of food purchased and consumed. Much of this interest is focused on genetically modified foods. Genetic modification according to Mark Tester, a professor of plant sciences at Cambridge University, is the heritable alteration of genes. The definition provided offers a very good clue why people fear GM foods and believe that they have harmful effects on the health. Quite simply stated, they are not natural foods but foods that have been created through human sciences that changed the biological make up of these foods. Some, including scientists, insist that these foods are safe. Dan Ferber, a science writer, insists on the safety of GM foods, further arguing that the current genetically modified foods are nothing more than an advance on techniques of improving crops and crop types that have existed and been practices over the centuries (1663-1664)."
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The Impact of Agricultural Subsidies, 2005.
An analysis of fiscal policy relating to agricultural subsidies and their affect on the economy and the environment.
2,822 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 25 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper illustrates the harm that agricultural subsidies have done to the economy, to the environment, and to people's livelihoods. It illustrates various case studies of certain crops that have received perverse subsidies and gives several case studies of attempts to reduce these subsidies. It also offers solutions to this problem, namely, to cut off all subsidies in case of emergency.
From the Paper
"One of the basic tenets of economics is the old adage "there is no such thing as a free lunch." Even when you go to a presentation with a "free lunch" afterward, the cost of procuring that food was somehow externalized. If we apply this to public policy, one can see that certain economic sectors have received a so-called "free lunch" from the government, even though there are many costs. Agricultural subsidies are often portrayed to be an essential part of the well-being of a nation, but they can have damaging effects on the environment, cause stagnation in the economy, and can be detrimental to the livelihoods of people around the world."
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Dickey's Poem "Kudzu", 2004.
This essay describes major themes in James Dickey's poem about kudzu. It explains how he uses these themes to personify the plant.
872 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
Kudzu is a plant that was introduced into the South with hopes it would prevent erosion. It spread very rapidly and has become a pest. It explains how James Dickey personified this plant in his poem, "Kudzu". He uses several different themes to describe this pesky plant.
From the Paper
"James Dickey's "Kudzu" offers a quite untraditional view of a local southern pest. Generally speaking, Dickey describes the plant in its true form, a quick-growing plant that spreads so fast it is almost impossible for farmers to sleep for fear of it. Overall, Dickey uses several themes, including military, supernatural, and communication themes, to personify this very humanlike plant. Dickey develops these individual themes using personification, similes, and metaphors."
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Antacids and Soil Acidity, 2005.
Science project that attempts to determine whether or not antacids help soil that is polluted by acid rain.
1,272 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author describes a science project in which she attempted to see if antacids had an affect on acid, in particular, acid in soil. In the research, the author hypothesizes, before conducting her experiment, that the antacid will decrease the acidity of the soil. After conducting her experiment, the author concludes that the data collected supports her hypothesis.
From the Paper
"The immediate purpose for this experiment was to determine the relationship between antacids and acidity in soil. As discussed in the discussion, I believe that the antacids would have an affect on the acidity mainly because antacids are neutralizers. The data that I collected did support my hypothesis. Although the data may have inadequacies because of the sources of error, it shows that the acidity of the soil did decrease in response to adding the antacids into the soil. The reason why I believe that the data is inaccurate in some parts is because after adding 35 g of antacids, the results turned back towards the acidic end of the pH scale. It wasn't until adding the 50 g of antacid that the results skyrocketed toward the base end of the scale."
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Problems of African Food Supply, 2005.
Studies the development of new foods and distribution systems in a bid to find a solution to Africa's growing food problem.
1,686 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 20 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the problems facing the African food supply. Genetically altered crops are studied as a way to help fight famine in many parts of Africa. The study of native foods is integrated into the paper, and specific countries are presented as case studies. Various works are cited in order to look at several possibilities to resolve the problems in Africa.
From the Paper
"In Ghana during the green revolution, there was a push to try for mechanized agriculture, and produce monoculture crops. During the drive, thousands of people were displaced by the Volta dam, which went into use in 1990. The government created 52 townships in order to relocate indigenous people (AppiahOpoku 2004). During this time, Ghana made no attempt to judge the environmental impacts of the project. This decision would destroy a great deal of biodiversity, and at the same time, put skepticism into the minds of farmers. Indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) was not used and the biodiversity was hurt (AppiahOpoku 2004)."
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