Agricultural Handbook No. (AH-722) 33 pp

February 2003

Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators, 2003

by Ralph Heimlich

This report identifies trends in land, water, and biological resources and commercial input use, reports on the condition of natural resources used in the agricultural sector, and describes and assesses public policies that affect conservation and environmental quality in agriculture. Combining data and information, this report examines the complex connections among farming practices, conservation, and the environment, which are increasingly important components in U.S. agriculture and farm policy. The report also examines the economic factors that affect resource use and estimates costs and benefits to farmers, consumers, and the government of meeting conservation and environmental goals. The report takes stock of how natural resources (land, water and biological resources) and commercial inputs (nutrients, pesticides, seed and machinery) are used in the agricultural sector; shows how they contribute to environmental quality; and links use and quality to technological change, production practices, and farm programs. The report is available only in electronic format.

Keywords: AREI, agricultural economics, land, land use, land value, land ownership, water use, irrigation, natural resources, conservation, environment, chemical use, fertilizer, pesticides, biodiversity, soil erosion, soil conservation

In this publication...