GLOBALIZATION AND THE POTENTIAL FOR FROZEN POTATO PROCESSING IN MEXICO

An analysis of the potential for the establishment and survival of frozen potato processing in Mexico is provided. Tools used include demand analysis (including demographic data and elasticities) and Porter's competitive forces model. The process of globalization is reviewed, from an agribusiness perspective. Prepared for the "Globalization and Its (Dis) Contents: Multiple Perspectives" Conference held April 3-4, 1998, East Lansing, Michigan.Agribusiness, International Relations/Trade,

Rating the Web Sites of Land Grant Universities and State Departments of Agriculture

For at least ten years, educational and government organizations have used the Internet to communicate with their respective clienteles. Land grant universities, departments of agricultural economics, and state departments of agriculture have launched web sites to achieve various communication goals, including, among others: to disseminate research results, to generate positive publicity among various constituencies, to promote agricultural activities, and to recruit employees. This report is the result of an effort to systematically evaluate, rate, and comment on the web sites of land grant universities, departments of agricultural economics, and state departments of agriculture. A panel of reviewers rated the web sites of these organizations. The results of reviews of a total of 177 web sites are presented. The following aspects were rated for each site: loading time, visual appeal, ease of navigation, quantity of useful information, and overall effectiveness. Individuals responsible for web sites should strive to achieve visual appeal and accessibility, and to avoid broken links and the under construction phenomenon. Three web sites in each category are identified as being highly effective, exemplary sites. Web designers and other representatives may use the results to plan new web page designs and to improve current pages/sites.land grant universities, departments of agricultural economics, state departments of agriculture, web sites, web pages, web design, Internet, e-commerce, electronic communication, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Q000, Q100, Q160, Q190,

ANALYSIS OF SOCIOECONOMIC DATA FOR THE I-75 CLUSTER OF MICHIGAN COUNTIES

This paper presents an analysis of socioeconomic data for a cluster of five counties in northern lower Michigan. These adjacent counties (Cheboygan, Crawford, Ogemaw, Otsego, and Roscommon) are part of a three-year rural development project. Data for individual counties as well as averages for the cluster are given. Topics covered include population growth, age of residents, educational attainment, unemployment, employment/jobs, sources of personal income, household income, poverty rates, and household composition. An executive summary is also provided.Community/Rural/Urban Development,

Major Factors Influencing the Competitiveness of the California Strawberry Subsector

With its nearly year-round supply and 83% market share, the California strawberry subsector dominates production and distribution of fresh strawberries in North America. The subsector has achieved its leading position among competitive production regions (e.g., Florida and Oregon) through the development and interaction of several factors. These factors include the following: superior agro-ecological conditions, economies of size, technological innovation, favorable demand conditions, marketing flexibility, and support infrastructure.Industrial Organization,

Engaging People, Engaging in Service: A Case Study of a Community Garden

community garden, Slow Food, local food, agricultural literacy, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Analyzing Resources for the Production of High-Value Agricultural Products in the California High Desert

Urbanization of previously undeveloped land is a critical concern in Southern California. Housing development brings with it several potentially detrimental effects, among which are hardening of the landscape (pavement), diminished water absorption into the soil, and increased harmful runoff into the Pacific Ocean. The High Desert Region of San Bernardino County, California is an area currently experiencing significant development pressure. It is our belief that the development of agricultural production could, to some extent, substitute for residential and commercial development, and that agricultural production is a more sustainable use of the land in this area. This report examines and inventories resources of an unincorporated area near the Cajon Pass and Silverwood Lake, and assesses how they might best be utilized to introduce production of high-value agricultural products. A conclusion is that although water may be a limiting factor, the production of deciduous tree fruits (e.g., apples, cherries, pears, peaches, apricots, and nectarines) should be considered in this area. Small scale agricultural enterprises are more likely to achieve success. Implications for public policy and areas for future research are also presented.High-value agricultural products, resources, desert, California, strategic planning, sustainable agriculture, Demographics, Direct marketing, Farm Management, Production Economics,

Strategic Marketing Decisions for Organic Agricultural Producers

A group of organic agricultural producers facing a strategic decision is featured. If they decide to form an organization to market their produce jointly, they will have to select a distribution channel. This case presents the demand conditions, requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of different distribution channels for organic vegetables, both on a general level and as they relate to this particular group. The following channels are addressed: roadside stands, farmers' markets, distributors, retailers, restaurants, institutions, and processors. Study questions for use in an academic course or workshop are included.organic agriculture, distribution channels, strategic management, Agribusiness, Marketing,

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: A PROPOSED THEORETICAL MODEL FOR SMALL AGRIBUSINESS FIRMS

The link between strategic planning and firm performance has been studied for over two decades. This paper examines this link, with emphasis on small agribusiness firms. A model of strategic planning and performance is developed and applied to small agribusiness firms. Implications for research and limitations are discussed.Agribusiness,

INVENTORYING RESOURCES: AN APPLICATION TO PRODUCT-ORIENTED AGRICULTURE

Different resources are necessary in the new, product-oriented agricultural environment. This article explores the question of what information is best suited for strategic analysis and strategy formulation for firms involved in product-oriented agriculture. A new framework for inventorying agricultural resources is introduced, and suggestions for implementing it are included.Farm Management,

Beyond Organic: An Overview of Biodynamic Agriculture with Case Examples

A great deal of research has been done regarding economic and consumer aspects of organic agriculture. A different form of agriculture, called biodynamic agriculture, is emerging, with acreage located across the globe. Like organic agriculture, biodynamic agriculture has a certification process, but it has not received as much research attention from agricultural economists. This paper provides basic background information about biodynamic agriculture. In particular, it gives a count of certified biodynamic farms, by state, in the U.S., and it gives the most common products produced by those farms. Wine grapes are by far the most common biodynamic agricultural product. It also includes three case examples of firms employing this production system and business strategy. The diverse case examples were developed through telephone interviews with certified biodynamic agricultural producers. It is predicted that despite its growth, biodynamic agriculture will become neither a fad nor a trend. Rather, it will remain a background influence on organic and conventional agriculture.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,