ABSTRACT

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part discusses that the United States should more actively encourage developing countries to pursue policies of free marketing of foodstuffs, not only for the United States but also for less-developed countries, because that is a policy of demonstrated effectiveness. It provides an analysis of the effects which more expensive energy will have upon the food system, including implications on the use of pesticides and fertilizers, irrigation, field machinery, and livestock. The part considers proposed adaptations, such as "gasohol," organic farming, and biomass conversion and provides several recommendations to sharpen the US response. Nations which pursue a goal of food self-reliance, as opposed to self-sufficiency, will continue to have needs for food imports at times of crop shortfalls and for the purpose of satisfying upgraded dietary preferences. Stability in world food supplies is an essential prerequisite to social and international stability.