AmberWaves December 2009 > Features

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Science, Technology, and Prospects for Growth in U.S. Corn Yields by Paul W. Heisey Investment in scientific research is key for boosting corn yields, making productivity, environmental, and bioenergy goals easier to attain. Debt Landscape for U.S. Farms Has Shifted by J. Michael Harris, John Dillard, Robert Williams, and Robert Dubman Fewer farm operators rely on borrowed funds, but farm debt is increasingly concentrated in larger farms. Removal of Government Controls Opens Peanut and Tobacco Sectors to Market Forces by Erik Dohlman, Linda Foreman, and Michelle Da Pra Though U.S. peanut and tobacco acreage contracted with removal of quotas, efficiency gains have sparked export growth. Income Volatility Is Rising, With Mixed Effects on Nutrition Assistance Participation by Constance Newman and Dean Jolliffe With growing income volatility, targeting benefits and defining eligibility periods have become more difficult. Food Insecurity Up in Recessionary Times by Margaret Andrews and Mark Nord U.S. food insecurity was at a record-high level in 2008; following the less severe 2001 recession, food insecurity continued to worsen through 2004. Global Economic Crisis Threatens Food Security in Lower Income Countries by Stacey Rosen and Shahla Shapouri Economic downturn reduces import capacity and heightens food insecurity in developing countries.