CRITIQUE OF THE METHODOLOGY OF AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

In this article attention is drawn to serious methodological weaknesses in Australian agricultural economics. It is frankly polemic in style and after a discussion of the philosophies of science of Popper and Kuhn the author argues that Australian agricultural economists ought to be more critical of the assumptions on which current theory is based and should be seeking to establish a new approach to the problems of the agricultural economy which would place more emphasis on social justice than on 'growth and efficiency'.     

THE AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS PROFESSION: AN APPRAISAL OF SOME CURRENT TRENDS*

Using the results of the first part of their 1994 membership survey, Ahmadi-Esfahani and Brakey (1996) examined the structure, conduct and performance of the Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society qualitatively. This paper extends that analysis by appraising some current trends in the Australian agricultural economics profession quantitatively. It concentrates on the second part of the survey to address a number of fundamental questions. A comparison of the US and Australian agricultural economics professions is made. The implications of the analysis for the product mix of the Society are explored.     

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS PROFESSION IN ENGLAND

An historical sketch of the professionalisation of agricultural economics since the mid-1920s placing special emphasis on the close links between government and universities, the pioneering role of the Ministry of Agriculture's economists during the inter-war years, and their changing post-war status and functions as compared with other economists in Whitehall. Other topics considered include the composition and functions of the Agricultural Economics Society, recent academic trends in agricultural economics, and the implications of the current crisis in economics for the future of the discipline.     

QUANTITATIVE POLICY MODELLING IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

The paper reconsiders the topic of McClements' 1973 article on model-building but does so in the particular context of policy modelling. Some principles are discussed, along with the relationship of the real world to its representation in a model built for a specific purpose. The assumptions and implications of the econometric and time-series approaches to policy modelling are contrasted, and lessons drawn for model specification and selection. The management, use and dissemination of policy models are also discussed. It is hoped that the experience of the last ten or fifteen years will lead to model-building in agricultural economics being better organised and more rewarding in future.     

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS IN THE DECADE AHEAD*

This paper critically examines the status and further contributions of the Agricultural Economics discipline. It focuses on how the discipline can develop further and contribute more effectively to overcoming some of the complex problems faced by society. Although the discipline is well developed and widely recognized, respected and supported, there are concerns about its members' abilities to adequately meet the demands and needs placed on them. It seems clear that there is a need for more agricultural economists, but it is also clear that primary emphasis must be placed on disciplinary excellence and adequacy. This prerequisite is basic to effective and relevant contributions of agricultural economists in leaching, research, public service, administration, and extension. It seems clear that many of the problems and issues agricultural economists are asked to help resolve will require a multidisciplinary approach, with many disciplines contributing their respective knowledge and skills. Facilitation of the co-ordination and integration of such collective effort may require the organization of appropriate new institutions. Society has a large investment in disciplines like ours and is demanding relevance and effectiveness and this is the challenge Cet article examine ?un point-de-vue critique ?état actuel et les contributions futures de la discipline de ?économie rurale. II se concentre sur le développe-ment de la discipline et comment elle peut aider plus efficacemenl a surmonler quelques problemes complexes qui confromenl la societé. Bien que la discipline soil bien developée, et bien quelle soil reconnue, respectée at appuyée par lous, on a exprimé des inquiétudes sur la capacityé de ses membres de répondre avec compétence aux exigences et aux besoins qu'ils rencontrent. Il semble clair qu'il existe un besoin pour plus ?economistes ruraux, mats il est clair égalemenl qu'on doit insister sur la qualité et la compétence dans la discipline. Cette condition préalable est essentielle pour produire des contributions efficaces et utiles de la part des économistes ruraux dans ?enseignement, les recherches, le service publique et ?administration. II semble clair que beaucoup des problemes et des questions que les économistes ruraux doivent aider a résoudre exigerant des méthodes inlerdiscip-linaires on plusieurs disciplines contriberont leurs connaissances et leur competence. Pour rendre plus facile la co-ordination et ?intégration de cet effort collectif il faudra peut-être le création de nouvelles institutions dans ce but. La societé a des placements importants dans les disciplines comme le nôire et demande pertinence et efftcacité. Voilà le déft     

THE EVOLUTION OF INFORMATION SOURCES AND THE USE OF INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

The paper reviews developments in bibliograhical, statistical and market information sources over the last 25 years, particularly since the application of the computer to information processing and dissemination. It concentrates on bibliographical sources: the evolution of WAERSA from a quarterly abstract journal to a monthly one, now also accessible on-line, as well as discussing some of the other major bibliographical sources, notably the AGECON file on USDA's AGRICOLA (formerly the Bibliography of Agricultural Economics), FAO's AGRINDEX, a title-only service available as a monthly journal and on-line, the Bibliography on Agricultural Marketing from FAO's marketing division, and the information service provided by ESCA. Different methods of ‘packaging’ information are also mentioned, including regular profiles on particular topics (SDI), ‘state-of-the-arts’ reviews, and ‘start’ reports. The paucity of adequate source guides specially tailored to the needs of agricultural economists is discussed. Finally, the availability of farming and market information through videotex is described. A plea is made for greater co-operation between providers and users of information, better knowledge of and guides to sources, and for user education.     

BELIEFS AND VALUES IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS RESEARCH*

Attention is drawn to the values that are often kept hidden but condition what research agricultural economists do. It is pointed out that the economic theory, which guides most research, is not value free and that therefore the lack of debate about theory amongst Australian agricultural economists may be unhealthy. In a world with uncertainty, the research process is likened to learning, leading to a suggestion that Bayesian procedures provide a more satisfactory conceptual framework for the process of enquiry than does the conventional hypothesistesting approach. While difficulties in the practical applicability of Bayesian methods are understood, they do provide insights which permit some of the more inappropriate uses of hypothesis testing to be recognised. The view of research enquiry as learning also leads to an appreciation of the desirability of a more honest acceptance of the inherent subjectivity of the process. Finally, attention is drawn to the need for vigilance over professional standards in research.     

AN APPROACH TO UNIVERSITY TEACHING IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

In our complex industrialised society there can no longer be a clear cut distinction between education and the training for a profession. Pressure from society for highly specialised knowledge and from students for satisfaction of vocational needs has resulted in the greater development of applied subjects. The aim of teaching in Agricultural Economics is to present a variety of subject matter within the framework of cohesive degree structures consistent with an academic discipline, while as far as possible fitting a student for a professional career in the field of Agricultural Economics. In the ever widening range of professional activity a distinction which has relevance to teaching can be made between the practising agricultural economist and the academic agricultural economist. For the former some professional training has to be incorporated in the first degree scheme. The need in industry and government is for economists who are prepared to make direct economic appraisals and the practising economist will therefore be involved in problem solving in a sphere where non-economic consideration have also to be weighed. He can best be fitted for his environment if he is aware of the interaction between economics and other relevant disciplines.