ABSTRACT
Food production is subject to strong fluctuations, given its strong dependence on weather conditions and the repercussions of natural disasters. With a view to securing food supplies, measures to secure and stabilise agricultural production are of similar importance to maintaining an adequate infrastructure for storage, marketing and transport logistics. This chapter argues that the introduction of public-sector measures aimed at stabilising agricultural markets are a response to the some characteristics. Researchers in the agricultural sciences are point to the relevant specific characteristics of agricultural production that justify some measures. A European Commission study, made with a view to a common policy for agriculture and rural development in Europe, also describes the specific characteristics and compares the situation of the industry with that of other sectors. Questions of food security and secure farming incomes are always a subject of discussion regarding agricultural policies, especially during the processes of designing and providing reasonable explanations for the required market regime and intervention measures.
