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1973 Energy Crisis
In October 1973 the Arab members of the organization of Petroleum exploring Countries refused to ship oil to the United States. Oil prices raised heavily, this caused there to be energy shortages, rationing and long lines to purchase gasoline. The energy crisis generated interest in developing renewable energy sources. Higher energy costs caused crop and livestock prices to surge and remain elevated until almost the end of the decade. -
The Competitive Edge
Agricultural scientists increased the American farmer’s competitive edge in this growing global marketplace. With new research initiatives for small farms, solar energy, and also energy conservation. Scientist really took it to the next level in making different vaccines for animals and different type of livestock. -
Alternative Agriculture
The farm crisis of the 1980s led more farmers away from traditional crop growing and toward growing alternative or high value crops that were becoming popular with consumers. These included: commercially growing herbs and wildflowers. Also fish farming by raising fish like catfish, crayfish and freshwater shrimp. Also organic farming which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives in agricultural production. -
Economic Boom!
The economy of the 1990s was one of rapid growth highlighted by a stock market boom that was fueled by emerging Internet businesses together. Inflation and unemployment were at its lows. This economic boom was enhanced by new information technologies. -
1990 Smart farms
During the 1990s farm management became very important. Because the cost of inputs rose sharply during the 1980s, farmers needed to become better business managers and computer users in order to succeed. -
Better Times in 1990
Dolly the sheep, the first cloned farm animal, was born. Government and private investment helped launch a multi-billion dollar biotechnology industry to develop new medical and agricultural applications. Conditions for farmers also improved during the 1990s. Low interest rates meant that farmers had less debt. In 1992 President George H. W. Bush signed the North American Free Trade Agreement. -
Alternative Agriculture and Vertical Integration
As the public demand for high quality and safe foods increased, smaller farms found success by aggressively marketing their organic. Large agribusinesses began contracting with farmers to raise products that specifically met their needs and standards. This system is called vertical integration. Allowed food companies to control the quantity, quality, and price of their foods from farm to fork. Towards the end of the 1990s it was clear that farming changed. -
Farm Bills of the 1990s
During the 1990s two farm bills were signed into law. The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act. Continued to move agriculture in a market-oriented direction by freezing target prices and allowing more planting flexibility. The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, commodity programs were one thing that was impacted by the 1996 farm bill including direct payment programs for crops, elimination of most supply controls, elimination of milk price supports -
Genomic Research and Cloning
The Human Genome Project identified approximately thirty thousand genes in human DNA . Similar genome projects were started for farm animals, plants and microorganisms. In 1996 Dolly the sheep, the first cloned farm animal, was born. Government and private investment helped launch a multi-billion dollar biotechnology industry to develop new medical and agricultural applications. This basically changed the way people view agriculture and science. -
Food Saftey
In January 1997, President Bill Clinton launched the President’s Food Safety Initiative to promote public health and improve food safety. Following this initiative, the USDA took steps to improve food safety from the farm to the table. Scientists developed methods to reduce levels of bacterial contamination on livestock and many tests to identify germs in food. -
Increased Safety
After a series of highly publicized food related deaths caused by unpasteurized fruit juice and undercooked fast food hamburgers during the mid-1990s. As the public demand for high quality and safe foods increased, many small farmers found success by marketing their organic and specialty products more violently to consumers. By the end of the 1990s it was clear that farming had changed. Farms grew larger but fewer in number, and both small and large farms were more specialized. -
Into the New Millennium!
In the year 2000, the food and agriculture sector contributed $1.3 trillion to the American Gross Domestic Product, and employed nine percent of the labor force. In 2001 President George W. Bush appointed Ann M. Veneman to serve as the first woman to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. Today, significant changes are happening for every aspect of society. These changes bring farmers hard challenges. Agriculture has changed since its beginnings but it is still the foundation of America.
