Domestic and international factors may combine to stimulate change in US agricultural policies and reductions in the costs of support. This would create additional pressures for economic adjustment in the sector. Current U.S. agricultural policies are not oriented to facilitating such...

Arguments for adjustment policies center on efficiency, equity and political economy considerations. The principal types of policies, targeted to individuals, firms or communities, are reviewed. A number of general issues relating to adjustment policies are identified.

Principal adjustment programs are reviewed unemployment insurance (UI) and related long-term programs for displaced workers, and trade adjustment assistance (TAA). None of these programs has had wide application in agriculture, although the current trade act contains a new program specifically...