This paper provides background on some ways in which ethics is applied productively to the food and agriculture system. Ethics may be a component in food safety and security, international trade, land-use policies, and animal welfare. Other topics considered include research ethics, public trust in science, and practical steps for institutionalizing ethics into agriculture. In addition to the scientific community, policymakers, agency leaders, and persons in the humanities and social sciences disciplines will find this study useful.

¿Que es exactamente lo que hace que algo sea "correcto" o "incorrecto"?. Y en el campo del medio ambiente agrícola, ¿quién toma esas decisiones, cómo se generan tales determinaciones y cómo afectan a los investigadores, a las políticas y a los otros participantes?. Estas y otras preguntas relacionadas afectan en forma creciente a la investigación agrícola y al desarrollo de políticas, proveyendo el marco para esta publicación.

The changing role of agriculture in urban settings is considered in this comprehensive report written by a twelve-member task force. The report frames "urban agriculture" in both historical and contemporary American society, providing a picture of geographic, demographic, and economic changes in rural and metropolitan life. Policy issues such as land preservation, alternative market opportunities, sprawl, taxation, and food security are considered. Research and educational challenges are presented for consideration by those at institutions of higher education, including land-grant universities.

Concern for the welfare of farm animals is mounting in the United States. Although many of the issues of agricultural animal welfare probably will be resolved politically, the CAST task force recommends that scientists become involved in clarifying the issue.