The rapid evolution of the biotechnology industry in the last two decades is associated with hopes and fears regarding its impact on health and environment. In the face of a new and controversial technology, such as genetic engineering, public policy is confronted with different worldviews and scientific uncertainty. An appropriate regulatory system must consider scientific expertise regarding ...

Until the mid of the eighties environmental policies in the Netherlands were characterized by a separate approach to each environmental sector, a very low participation of policy target populations in the policy making process, optimistic and therefore ambitious goals, and direct regulations (permitting) as a dominant policy instrument. These policy characteristics seem to be related to a lack ...

Agriculture and health and nutrition have long occupied separate realms. Analyses of agricultural production seldom recognize that health status affects productivity, nor do they recognize that agricultural goods and processes have health consequences. At the policy and programmatic levels, agriculture and health operate in separate silos, seldom considering the consequences of their actions on...

Global interest in food policy is emerging in parallel with mounting challenges to the food supply and the rising prevalence of diet-related chronic health conditions. Some of the foundational elements of food policies are agricultural practices, finite resources, as well as economic burdens associated with a growing and ageing population. At the intersection of these interests is the need for ...

This paper discusses the main issues and driving forces of government policies in the area of risk management in agriculture, with particular emphasis on good policy practices and the international environment. Four main ideas are developed. First, good policy and good policy analysis requires a holistic approach. This is particularly so in this policy area because risks interact prominently wi...

Policy reforms outside agriculture in the early 1990s accelerated growth in per capita incomes and food demand and also improved the terms of trade for the agriculture. Agricultural policies and institutions, traditionally focused on achieving food grain self sufficiency within a closed economy, have, however, been slow to adapt to a new environment of diversifying demand, more open markets, an...

Background New technologies constitute an important cost-driver in healthcare, but the dynamics that lead to their emergence remains poorly understood from a health policy standpoint. The goal of this paper is to clarify how entrepreneurs, investors, and regulatory agencies influence the value of emerging health technologies.   Methods Our 5-year qualitative research program examined the proces...