The evolution of a regulation system in agriculture : The Swedish case

When looking at the objectives and means of Swedish agricultural policy, it cannot be fully understood as a rational ends-and-means document. Other explanations should be sought as to the origin and structure of the policy. This paper aims to analyse the evolution of the Swedish agricultural policy since 1932 as an outcome of four major forces: rent-seeking behaviour; the political constellation in parliament; ideology, values and attitudes in society; and the economic situation.