ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to examine the dynamics of agricultural policy as a basis for understanding the likelihood and the repercussions of alterations to the order governing agriculture. It traces the evolution of agriculture policy from approximately 1800 to the post–World War II period and explores the broad historical arena and focuses on the relationship between the United States and Western Europe during the period from the early 1960s to the late 1980s. The chapter argues that events during the last twenty five years can be modelled and explained using a political economy framework. Great Britain had decided to sacrifice the interests of landowners and farmers in order to further the growth of the economy through expanded industrial output and trade. The world has tried a diverse set of orders in an attempt to deal with political and economic factors.
