POLICY PAPER Agricultural Economics 356 Each student will select a specific agricultural, rural, or natural resource-related policy issue of interest to them. If you wish, Dr. Watson will assist you in finding a topic and some options are presented in this syllabus. However, regardless of what issue is chosen, both sides of the issue will need to be appropriately represented. The student will write a policy brief that uses valid logical reasoning and sound (valid reasoning and accurate information) arguments. The paper must be 5-6 pages in length - double spaced (standard margins, 12-point Times New Roman font) plus a one-page executive summary. Graphs and illustrations (tablesI etc.) are in addition to the stated page length. Specific information should include the following: A. Context and Importance of the Problem 1. What is the specific issue? What is the problem or opportunity? 2. What is the specific area of the agriculture industry that the issue applies? - Production, Input supply sector, Processing, Distribution, Consumption B. Critique of Policy Option(s) 1. What specific policy(ies) is (are) developed for the issue? What is (was) the rationale of the policy? - What are the economic underpinnings of the policy and issue? Benefits and costs? - What is the specific obiective of the policy? 2. What programs have been developed to implement the policy? 3. Are the objectives of the policy being met? Why/how or Why not? What evidence is there to sustain your observation? 4. What are the benefits and costs of the policy? C. Policy Recommendations 1. Since this is not to be an advocacy brief, this section is only to provide possible policy recommendations and the strengths and weakness of each. However, in the wrap-up/closing statement, the team should state its position on the issue along with brief rationale. More elaboration can be made in the written document. D. The written policy brief should also contain a title for the policy brief, an executive summary, appendices (none required, but if necessary, include), and sources consulted