U.S. Agricultural Growth and Productivity: An Economywide Perspective

by Mathew Shane, Terry Roe, and Munisamy Gopinath

Growth of U.S. agriculture is dependent on increases in productivity, three-fourths of which is accounted for by public investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) and infrastructure, according to this research. Productivity growth in U.S. agriculture benefits consumers by putting downward pressure on real primary and processed food prices. Moreover, maintaining export growth in international markets relies on relative productivity growth against major competitors. Public investments in agricultural R&D have stagnated since the mid-1970's, raising questions about sustained productivity growth in U.S. agriculture.

Keywords: agricultural growth, agricultural research and development, total factor productivity growth, public investments, international trade negotiations

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