The Mainstream in Agricultural Economics Research

Abstract

The title of this session suggests the continuing concern about the content of our collective research activity as a profession. Although not all of the agricultural economics research activity is performed by members of the American Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA) or even by those who hold degrees in agricultural economics, much of our discussion will deal with the profession as represented by the AAEA. The interest and debate about the research mix of our profession is not new and has surfaced in many forms dating back to the origins of our association when the discussion was centered on the differing perspectives of farm management and agricultural economics (Taylor and Taylor). Since that time the question of general research orientation has been posed in different terms-basic versus applied research, problem-solving versus disciplinary research (Harl), relevance (Allin, Kelso), and accountability (Nielson). Needs and evaluations of theory have also appeared in our journal (Johnson, Jones). These debates deal primarily with research orientation. There is also the question of the real-world problem focus of our research (e.g., Bishop). Given our available theories and methods, what are the empirical problems that receive our attention? At times the diversity of views in our profession on both research orientation and problem choice seems to cause disruption and polarization, and at other times the tension is creative. It is clearly desirable from time to time to scrutinize both what we are