ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses four issues: the role of markets in addressing scarcity; the declining real cost of foodstuffs and economic growth; the complementarity of government and markets as contrasted to the competitive nature of the two; and the case for pragmatism in addressing markets and government. Publicly supported research has stimulated technical change, and industries have developed in response to this new knowledge to supply farmers with new technology and to market their output. Some of those engaged in the political process may be motivated primarily by philosphical considerations that lead them to favour either the market or an intrusive government on doctrinaire grounds, but surely there are many others who view the problem quite differently. An improved agriculture often is not sufficient for economic growth, but either an improved agriculture or access to an efficient agriculture is a necessary condition.
