ABSTRACT
Agribusiness includes all the participants in a commodity vertical structure, from farm suppliers, farmers, assemblers, processors, and distributors to ultimate domestic and international consumers. Each nation is concerned that agricultural trade and investment policies fit into its political and social priority system. The US response to the agricultural economic development needs of the developing world historically has been a confused mixture of surplus disposal and aid programs. The agribusiness system exists for the ultimate purpose of satisfying the food and fiber needs of the consumer — given the political, economic, and social priorities of the government. US agricultural trade has been the most significant feature in the agribusiness structure over the last decade, with both exports and imports increasing dramatically and affecting the well-being of the US farmer and consumers. One method of involving the farmer more directly in his domestic and international food system is through farm cooperatives.
