Food Processing Agricultural

Sample details Pages: 23 Words: 6888 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? Food Processing in Agricultural Regions. Agricultural regions in any country, including the United Kingdom, have historically been seen as poorer neighbours to the more industrialised areas of any particular country (Pierpont 1997). This position has been brought about mainly as a result of the fact that pay, employment opportunity and economic output tends to be lower than other areas of industry. The logistical problem in terms of transport and flexibility of workforce is also a contributory factor. Consequently, many agricultural regions have seen a significant decline in fortunes and employment during the course of the past three decades. In an effort to these problems, governments at local, national and regional levels have been seeking to produce a range of strategies that will support and regenerate agricultural, the results of which have met with mixed levels of success. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Food Processing Agricultural | Economics Dissertations" essay for you Create order Irrespective of the help afforded to them, many agricultural areas still remain relatively weak. Where improvements are achieved, often it is at the expense of the agricultural industry itself. For example, promotion of cultural tourism, whilst it may benefit some agricultural communities, does not address the core issues, namely improving the indigenous industry and food production chain. However, recent studies carried out have suggested that there may be another way to approach the issue. This research, as reported by Peter Pierpont (1997), suggests that if the development of food processing is encouraged within an agricultural area, it can result in an increased level of prosperity, producing subsequent improvements in employment, economic output and the GDP per head (Pierpont 1997). Aims and Objectives The aim of this paper is to evaluate the hypothesis set by Peter Pierpont (1997) and to ascertain if the development of food processing in agricultural areas can provide a route to prosperity. To assist with the analysis for this purpose the UK agricultural regions of Cornwall and Wales will be used as case studies, with other agricultural regions within the UK and Europe being used for comparative purposes. Concentrating on the UK in particular, to enable the goals of this research to be achieved it is intended to focus the paper upon the following objectives: Provide an analysis of the historical development of the agricultural industry, paying particular attention to this sector within the United Kingdom. To provide a detailed analysis of the two selected agricultural areas, which will include the past and present economic and employment positions. Analyse and evaluate the impact that the development of food processing has upon selected agricultural regions. Evaluate the synergy that is said to exist between the agricultural and food processing industries. Overview of the research Following this introduction, chapter two provides a brief background of the development of both the agricultural and food processing industries. This is followed by a critical literary review within chapter three. Chapter four provides details of the methods used for the research required for this paper, with the findings from resulted from the research are analysed and discussed in full in chapter five. The conclusion of this study, together with any recommendations that are considered appropriate, are outlined in chapter six. Chapter 2 Background Following the advances in technology over the course of the past three decades, there have been significant changes witnessed both within the agricultural and food processing, as they exist in the UK. UK Agricultural Industry Following WWII, the concentration upon the economic value of British agriculture came a poor last place to other industries as the UK sought to rebuild its economic position. Thus agriculture was basically left to fend for itself as it sought to compete with an increasing level of food products being imported from overseas markets (Greer 2005, p.86). In line with the general industry trends, in both of the selected areas there has been a decline in the agriculture economy during the course of the past three decades, despite the fact that the rural areas have historically relied upon this industry to maintain their local communities. In the UK the rural farming decline has been exacerbated by the concentration of farming methods undertaken by large corporations together with the increasing levels of imported produce, which can be purchased at prices that the UK farmers cannot compete. Similarly, the pressure from retailers for lower pricing has reduced the competitiveness of the local farms. Evidence of these events can be seen from the following (figure 1). This table shows how, during the past decade the agricultural industry contribution to the UK economy has fallen to nearly half of its 1996 value and the GDP by two thirds. Furthermore, whilst our exports in this area have remained relatively static, imports have increased by nearly 40%, which has affected the countrys self-sufficiency levels. Similarly, although net farm incomes have steadily increased since 1999, the total income from farming has halved, which indicates the size of the agricultural resources that have been lost since the turn of the century. The concentration of farming into bigger units has been more pronounced in the UK, with an average farm size of 66.7 hectares, than most other areas of Europe, as is evidenced from the following table(figure 2). Even in countries such as France and Germany farm sizes are significantly smaller. Figure 2 Farm Sizes At the same time as the above results were being witnessed, there was also a significant drop in employment within the industry. This was partially due to the economic position of Agriculture, but at the same time the historical tradition of offspring following their parents onto the farms was also being broken, with less enthusiasm being shown for taken over the role of farmers due to the long hours of work required for relatively low levels of return. Figure 2 shows how severe this decline was in the five years to 2000, with a loss of over sixty thousand employees in that period representing nearly ten present of the previous workforce. The loss of skilled workers resulting from persons leaving the industry served to exacerbated the economic problems that it was experiencing. Figure 3 Fall in workforce In the case of Cornwall, much of this decline has also been fuelled by the increasing concentration upon the tourism attraction of the area. For example, due to the economic benefits, many traditional farmers have transferred the usage of parts of their agricultural landform food production to activities that will capture a share of the tourist market, such as campsites and caravan parks. The position in Wales has become even more extreme than Cornwall. Central Wales is a more remote location than its Cornish counterpart, with a low internal level of infrastructure and a less developed transportation systems, which makes it less accessible for business and consumers alike. As a result, local businesses and services such as health care have closed or transferred their services to towns and cities, and much of the rural population has followed. This situation, together with the economic decline in agriculture as previously outlined, has led to many farms in the area becoming economically unviable. UK Food Processing Industry Food processing is defined as being any method or technique that issued to transform the raw product, being meat, vegetable, cereals another food products, to an edible dish for the average human. Without this part of the supply chain our diets would be more limited than they are today, with less variety to choose from and a more seasonal aspect to the food we purchase. Therefore any process, from the preparation of meat at the Butchers to the preparation of ready-made meals for consumer consumption on sale in supermarkets is a part of this process. Food processing also increases the durability of the product, increasing the shelf and use life, which has the effect of reducing waste whilst at the same time increasing the quantity of supply. Indeed, as the BNF (Factsheet 2000) rightly observe, without food processing it would not be possible to sustain the needs of modern urban populations. Prior to the advent of new industrialisation methods, mass production and the new technology area, the majority of the food processing system was conducted at a local level. However, subsequent to these events, the food processing systems and organisations became centralised into the more industrialised areas of the country. The major contributory factors behind this evolution of the food processing industry away from local to a central location was partially dictated by the increased access to labour, which due to its proximity to the workplace was in plentiful supply at a lower cost, together with the advent of the mass production process. In addition, such areas of the country and region enjoyed easier access to the national and international transport network. All of these advantages meant that the businesses involved could reduce costs and increase the speed of the production process. The centralisation of the food-processing sector of the supply chain was also driven by changes in consumer demands and expectations. As supplies became more plentiful and the retail supermarket phenomena expanded throughout the country the consumer demanded lower prices in the food sector. To deliver this supermarkets needed to reduce their own costs, which could only be achieved by them having access to centralised purchasing outlets, rather than the previously diverse and expensive distribution network. One abnormality that has arisen from this development is that often products harvested locally are often transported out of their local area to be processed and then returned to the shops within the same locality for sale through stores. For example, the raw milk product could be collected from the dairy farmer, transported to a processing plant a distance away from that farm and then, once it has been processed into the carton that we see on supermarket shelves, re-transported back to the local supermarket in the same area. Chapter 3 Literature Review Agricultural industry Much has been written about the UK agricultural industry over the years and regarding the way it has developed, and there are a variety of views regarding the way it should develop in the future. Hector(1969) believes that in essence the industry has developed on the basis of an internal colony, with each area being a part of, but in essence operating as a separate unit from the whole. Indeed, if one looks at the UK just after the war, when home gardens and allotments used to be vital sources of food (Petty 2002, p.185), it is easy to see how this insular and separate attitude can develop. In the first half of the twentieth century the British people had a very independent manner and were set in their ways. This contributes to the reason why, despite advances that have been made in agriculture over the years, in earlier section of his research Petty (2002, p.72) discovered that, in the main, the processes used to produce food on modern farms is still very conventional. Despite the fact that the agricultural industry as an element of the National economy has become significantly less important over the years, there are still certain areas where it is considered to have an essential impact on the local community in terms of the revenue it contributes (Greer 2005, p.74 and p.77). These include such regions as Wales, with its unique hill farming industry, East Anglia for the cereal output and, to some extent, Cornwall for its wheat and grain. In Wales for example, over a wide area of the country agriculture is still the industry that is central to the regions community and economy. However, despite this fact the area has still witness a reduction in the number of people employed in agriculture (Jones 1999, p.185 andp.309). As has been noted earlier, most other agricultural regions, including Cornwall have experienced a similar decline in the employment base. Nevertheless, in terms of preserving the countryside and agricultural industry, there is still somewhere in the region of eighteen million hectares of land in the United Kingdom that is used for agricultural purpose (Petty 2002, p.30), for which an effective management strategy has needed to be developed over the years. Certainly, if the UK wishes to halt the decline in the levels of self-sufficiency However, as has been widely recorded, efforts to revitalise the industry have been thwarted by several events that have had an adverse effect upon the industry. For example, in early 2001, as noted by Agriculture (2007), the decline was exacerbated by a serious outbreak of foot and mouth within the animal population and this, followed by health risks from BSE and swine fever, severely curtailed the agricultural industrys ability to expand within both the home and international market places. Following these events, and in an effort to reposition the importance of agriculture within the economy, the NFU , one of the most active representative bodies for the industry campaigned for the government and the EU to create an innovative plan in an effort to restore public confidence in home produced food (Greer 2005, p.40). Similarly, farmers in Wales in the late part of the last century engaged in a series of active protests, which were aimed mainly at reducing the effect that subsidised imports In response to these concerns and also as a result of the initiatives set in place by the European Union, DEFRA has produced and discussed a number of strategies over recent years. With the central focus of these being action required nationally to seek a restructure of the agricultural industry into a more efficient sector (Greer 2005, p.129),the organisations purpose is to restore the former prosperity of the regions. Whilst maintaining the unified approach, development plans have been set in place for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Greer 2005, p.41). However, it has been recognised that to prosper, agriculture has to seek new and innovative ways to add value to its industry, which entailed a certain level of diversity from traditional methods and approaches if the industry was to achieve recovery and become competitive nationally and internationally. Initially some areas, such as Cornwall, have taken the colonial approach discussed within Hector (1969) and sought other ways of increasing their individual incomes and prosperity. As has already been mentioned, in this particular region, many turned to tourism for this result. However, with the advent of cheap flights and travel, even this opportunity is now in decline. Thus the industry needs to look for more sustainable options. To this end Peter Pierpont (1997) suggested research shows that combining the development of food processing within the agricultural regions may provide a positive option. Food Processing As with any are of industry, a range of supplementary operations has grown around agriculture. These indirectly include such organisations as financial institutions, equipment manufacturers and suppliers and the chemical and biotechnology organisations. However, the most directly linked ancillary industry to agriculture is food processing (Greer 2005, p.49). It is totally apparent that the two industries and inter-dependent. From the food producers to the processing and packaging operations and then on to the retailers, all of these areas are an integral part of the food supply chain. As has been previously noted, in the past the agricultural industry and regions have tended to remain separate from the rest of the food supply chain. The perceived advantage of this approach was seen to be that farmers felt comfortable and confident within their own business environment and, as long as they were producing the required levels of products, saw this as their main income generator. However, the disadvantage was that, as the retail industry became more organised and, with the development of supermarkets and other price conscious outlets, so they began to have more influence upon the agricultural industry, forcing down prices and demanding higher yields and quality, all of which added to the economic difficulties being experience within the agricultural regions. However, European Union regional data strongly suggests that agricultural regions that have taken it upon themselves to develop the food processing industry at a local level have seen increased value-added to the industry itself (Pierpont 1997) although, in his study he suggests that the structure of the French farming industry has given it an advantage in this area over their Cornish counterparts, despite the geographical and socio-economic similarities. Nevertheless, in Cornwall and other agricultural areas of the UK, those within the agricultural industry are beginning to take notice of the agro-food approach. For example, a group of growers and farmers from the southwest regions of Cornwall across to Hampshire have formed their own organic marketing co-op, (Petty 2002, p.112) which provides a better value basis for the sale of products to the retail market. Similarly, in Wales certain regions have created action plans for their agricultural industries which includes integrating more of the food processing and supply aspect of the food chain within their region, thus enabling them to benefit from the added-value of a resource that had previously not been available to them (Greer 2005, p.194). It is argued by researches that creating a more localised food processing sector within the agricultural regions, where farmers and producers can be more directly involved with other areas of the food chain, including preparation, distribution and marketing, will produce positive results in terms of the financial stability and growth within the farming and rural communities. Summary It is clear from the research that has been carried out into agriculture, that there is a need to address the decline within the industry, which as can be seen from figure 1 (page 7 of this report)has fallen by ten present in the last decade. The majority of this research shows that the last three decades have seen a consistent decline in the fortunes of the industry, both in terms of its economic value to the UK economy as a whole, and in relation to employment statistics. Some researchers see developing the food processing industry within the agricultural regions as the way forward and the route to prosperity. The question is whether this theory is supported by the facts within the areas being used as a case study in this paper. Chapter 4 Research Methodology Research objective Within the introduction section of this study, the four key objectives for the research were outlined. The research into how the agricultural industry has developed, particularly in relation to United Kingdom provides essential background information, which will assist in understanding why these areas have become of such concern to government and non-governmental organisations over recent decades. The choice of Cornwall and Wales for the case study is appropriate because in the case of the former, much attention over recent decades has been concentrated upon developing the tourism attraction, rather than agricultural needs of the area. Wales provides a much larger agricultural environment, which has to compete with small pockets of heavily industrialised regions, specifically on coastal areas. Food processing, up until the last decade, has been seen mainly as an industrial activity and therefore it is important to understand how the transfer of this activity to agricultural regions has both evolved and to what extent the case study areas have benefited from this latest development. Similarly, as an integral part of this area of research, the relevant synergies will provide a better understanding of the basis for accuracy of the hypothesis. Choice of research approach Due to the nature of the area being research, it is felt that the qualitative method or research, which uses primary data as its basis(Collis and Hussey 2003, p.53), would not have been appropriate. The questionnaire and research based approach, whilst useful, would not have provided the necessary detailed research information that is required for the purpose of adding to the understanding of the issue of food processing development in agricultural regions, apart from giving some indication as to how the various stakeholders, specifically those who operate within the respective industries, have reacted to this evolution. The significant level of research and statistical data required for this study led the author to believe that the quantitative research approach would be a more productive approach. In an endeavour to ensure the reliability of the data researched, a wide and diverse range of sources has been used for this study (Collis and Hussey 2003. p.71). This situation provided the author with the ability to cross-refer and check the accuracy, impartiality and validity of the information gathered, which enables the highest possible level of objectivity to be attached to the conclusions and recommendations reached. Industry Data With regards to the data relating to the agricultural and food processing industries, this has been acquired from a variety of sources, which includes UK and EU government departments and other industry associations and observers. Included within this data is the relevant statistical information from UK and EU surveys. Additional data was obtained from Internet sources, books, journals and other industry and economic sources. Wherever possible prime sources have been used for data gathering, particularly in relation to the strategies and policies that have been suggested and implemented by teak and EU governments. This data includes current and suggested policy documents. Selected areas case study In keeping with the advices given by researchers such as Collis and Hussey (2003), a substantial amount of time has been expended in digesting all of the material available in relation to the agriculture industry in Cornwall and Wales, to make sure that the chosen material was apposite to the objectives and questions being sought. Furthermore, data from organizations active within the two selected areas was also used. These sources, together with others, were used to obtain past and future strategic information as well as for outlining the current position of the agricultural and food processing industries in both of these regions of the country. To provide objectivity in regards to this data, industry reports and independent research carried out bother experts in the respective industries were also reviewed. The reason for the choice of these two areas is that, whilst there are similarities in terms of their agricultural heritage, they differ in terms of economic and political development and evolution. Politically Cornwall is still an integral part of the UK political structure, whereas Wales has a degree of devolved power. Economically Cornwall has attracted a wider diversity of activities and services, particularly within the tourism sector, whereas this has impacted upon Wales to lesser extent. In order to achieve a comparative benchmark for the case study, the areas selected have been assessed against similar regions within other member states of the European Union. In this instance, information from the EU itself and various sources within the selected nation states, have been used. Chapter 5 Findings, Analysis and Discussion To enable an analysis of the hypothesis that was set at the commencement of this paper, it was decided to use two distinct Agricultural regions, these being Cornwall and Wales for the reasons that have been outlined previously. Agricultural regions Cornwall Cornwall is set in the South West of the UK. Although it is traditionally an agricultural region, it has perhaps become better known since the Second World War as a tourist area. Nevertheless, it still has a significant agricultural base within its economy, which is still seen as one of the primary industries for the county (Cornwall County Council 2007), with a growth in the number of holdings during the period from 1997 to 2001 (see figure 4), which compares favourably with the movement in England as a whole. However, the industry has seen significant reduction in the areas committed to the raising of cattle and sheep livestock, which reflects the overall difficulties that have been generally experienced in this area as a result of disease epidemics such as BSE and also the inroads being made by foreign imports. Despite recent declines, it is seen as one of the foundations for strong rural communities, but the industry can only retain this position by increasing employment, which through current agricultural methods and strategies is not happening. Figure 4 Farming in Cornwall However, despite the apparent improvement seen above, this has not translated itself into improvements on the employment issue. As can be seen from the following table (figure 5), the numbers of people employed within the agricultural industry are continuing to fall. Despite the fact that in comparison to England, Cornwall has suffered less, the Cornwall County Council (2007) do not see this downward trending their region being reversed in the immediate future, with the majority of the remaining workforce consisting of owners and tenants(Cornwall County Council 2007, 3.38). Figure 5 Agricultural employment Cornwall Agricultural regions Wales Agriculture in Wales, because of the internal terrain, is most known for its Hill Farming element. It has a substantially higher level of holdings than Cornwall, spread over a greater land mass (see figure 6). Figure 6 Farms in Wales In terms of employment the region, like Cornwall, has seen a consistent decline in the numbers during the past decade, although as the following table shows, there was a slight improvement in the figures during 2004 (see figure 7). Figure 7 Agricultural employment in Wales Causes of Agricultural decline Some of the responsibility for the current position and trends has been levelled at the cost-price squeeze effect that is currently taking place within the food chain, with consumers consistently demanding lower retail prices. Whilst it is true that this has had significant impact on the industry, it is not the sole cause of the current position. Three other significant factors have also had an adverse effect. Disease. The perceived lack of safety in British foods following the incidences of foot and mouth, BSE, swine fever and, more recently, outbreaks of avian flu (Haynes 2007) has also had a significant impact upon consumers and buyers both confidence in the UK and abroad. The fact that these have occurred within a relatively short period of each other has done little to improve the recovery position of the industry as a whole, the timescale of which has been extended as a result of these events. Technology usage. Apart from the larger corporate farm holdings the use of modern technological advances within agriculture within the smaller holdings has not been taken advantage of to the extent that other industries have respond to this area of business to the same extent. This is presumably due to the older age demographics of the older owners and tenants, together with the time constraints that they experience as a result of low levels of employment. Based upon the lack of profitability of many small farms, another contributory factor tithe lack of new technology resources in use results from the limited financial resources available to purchase the equipment and training necessary for such innovations. Finally, the local colony attitude as indicated by Hector (1969)is still in evidence in many rural and farming areas. The psychological position of a large element of the agricultural community is resistant to change, a situation that makes improvements for greater efficiency difficult to implement. National and Regional Strategies There have been a number of initiatives instigated with regard to the agricultural industry, particularly from the European Union, although these and those that have come from the UK authorities, have not been met with unanimous approval. In the case of the EU strategies there Isa body of opinion that this limits national action. As Alan Greer(2005) states in the introduction to his study on the agricultural industry, there is a widespread assumption that the existence of a CAP across the European Union undermines the capacity of states to construct their own national policies. To a certain extent the comment made by Greer is true. As will be seen within this section of the paper, a large proportion of the strategies and policies relating tithe UK agricultural industry have in fact come into existence as a result of EU discussions and directives. Irrespective of these comments, it is important to remember that the European Union as a whole commits in excess of forty-five billion dollars each year in support of farmers throughout the member states. Therefore it is fair to state, as Cardwell (2004, p.8) does that Agriculture enjoys numerous advantages in the operation of the Legislative process and bureaucracy. Whilst it may be true that the major part of these funds are utilised in the purchasing and storage of surplus products such as beef, wheat, milk and butter, before selling it to other nations, usually within the developing and third world(Gardner 1996, p.3), this still represents a significant level of state aid. The Common Agricultural Policy seeks to achieve fairness of competition within the EU, whilst at the same time providing aid. The potential drawbacks of this policy is that it still leaves farmers vulnerable to policy changes and increases in costs that are not fully reflected within the subsidies. For example in Wales, which benefits from CAP, the increases in prosperity that it has brought to the hill farmers in the area could disappear if policies change and the EU or local authorities felt that this was providing the area with an unfair advantage, or changed the conditions in relation to eligibility (Jones1999, p.320 and Cardwell 2004, p.227). In terms of cost increases, during the reform of the CAP system it has already been noted that these increases had an adverse effect upon the UK arable industry as awhile (Gardner 1996, p.148). Thus it would be true to say that such policies only remain appropriate should all other factors remain the same. In the UK in 2002, the government commissioned a report on the future of farming and food (Curry 2002) in an attempt to define strategy, which would led to a more sustainable for the future of agriculture and those who work within the industry. One of the main conclusions of this report (Curry 2002, p.109) was that farming had become detached from the rest of the economy and the environment. There port also suggests that this position has been reached partly as a result of the substantial subsidies, which its authors believed should be ended (Curry 2002, p.110). To address this position the report suggests that new research bodies, comprising of representatives from all the industry stakeholders, including the consumer, should be set, which will include within its remit, the setting up of demonstration farms to be used as models of economic success in farming. One comment within this area of the report that is particularly pertinent to the research of this paper is the comment that at the moment some [food]chains are too long (Curry 2002, p.113), suggesting that a food chain centre be set up to ensure the communication activities within the food chain are improved. Together with this Curry (2002, p.118) suggests the creation of marketing grants to help farmers to be able to more actively promote their produce in the local area. This is seen as an important area for farmers to take advantage of, particularly in view of the increase in consumer concerns within regard to the safety of food production and other environmental issues. Similarly, it recommends a higher level of training and involvement by farmers within areas of new technology as it relates to equipment and processes. Not all of the recommendations of the report have been accepted as appropriate or even workable. Adam Quinsy (2002), whilst praising many of its recommendations, takes issue with the cost element, indicating that, with the price of new technology and the low prices that farmers receive for their products would make it difficult for the farmers to implement many of the recommendations made, for example the increased levels of training. Furthermore Mr Quinsy (2002) contends that there are inefficiencies in the food chain, but that the retailing end of this sector are the ones who are responsible, and are using higher prices to consumers and lower cost from suppliers to address these issues rather than take steps to make the system more efficient. However, it does seem from all of the strategies that are being put forward by governments and other authorities, that there is a consensus towards diversification an integral part of the way forward, although the Curry (2002) report stops short of fully supporting incorporating a more localised food programme as part of this diversification programme. Whether this was intentional, or merely not part of its remit at the time, or even a deliberate omission to avoid creating issues that would be likely to impact upon other stakeholders within the food chain, is debatable. This is in spite of the fact that the Government, in their report Facing the Future (2002) recognised that all parts of the food chain were mutually dependent. Food Processing in the agricultural regions In addition to the findings of Peter Pierpont (1997), many other researchers have indicated that, by becoming more involved with the food processing aspect of the food chain, the agriculture industry can achieve benefits. For example Caldwell (2004, p.312), whose research confirms that the agriculture industry is at a low point of that chain, and the economic results confirm this, also states earlier (p.13) that the inclusion of parts of the food-processing element can increase that communities GDP by around two present. Furthermore there are benefits from EU subsidies that would attach to those who become involved with the food-processing element. For example, agricultural exporting receives a greater proportion of the Farm funds than the pay-out levies on imports of food (Gardner 1996,p.44). Similarly, certainly within the area of organic food processing, the UK government, whilst setting high standards (Cardwell2004, p.282) does provide considerable assistance to the industry, most of which would be directed towards to the smaller farming unit. This is one particular area of the industry where the smaller size of the business, and its lower reliance on mass production, is a distinct advantage. Some within the industry may consider that the inclusion of food processing within the local agricultural industry may have certain disadvantages. These include the following areas: Lack of continuity of sale. The fear in this instance is that changing from a position where there is a constant stream of bulk orders that ensures sale of all production, to one where the level of sale is more locally dependent could leave the farmers with unwanted and unusable stocks. However, this situation can be addressed by efficiency of management and using a progressive transfer of product sale. Cost prohibitive. The perception is that raising the capital to undertake such a venture would be cost prohibitive both in terms of the capital outlay and the promotion. The latter part of this concern is addressed within the Curry report (2002) where it recommends marketing grant and the former is a question of developing an appropriate business plan. Lack of expertise and knowledge. Training is available to cover most of these areas and, to a certain extent it is simply an extension of the marketing process of selling in bulk to the larger organisations. Furthermore, by the formation of co-operatives there is the potential to pool skills and resources to counteract any deficiencies in these areas. Conversely, there are also advantages to be gained from the process: Added value. With more control over the processing and destination of its products, the farmer is likely to receive an increase in the revenue per unit of product sold. This will provide additional profits, which will enable the business to invest in more efficient measures and processes within their business. Local economy. With more funds remaining in the local area, this will improve facilities within the local rural community and lead to this position being able to be more positively sustained. Employment. With the increased efficiency levels employment within the industry will rise, enabling a continuity of succession to more easily be developed. A well-known example of a successful transition to the inclusion of the food processing element at a local level can be found in the case of the Prince of Wales Duchy of Cornwall business, which has even extended its sales internationally in the US (Milford Mail Tribune2004), where the business is successfully offering Duchy Originals to consumers. As is evident from the highly publicised levels of tax that the Prince is having to pay on the revenues from this business, amongst his other interests, this proves that the venture has resulted in the business becoming more efficient and increased the prosperity of the business and the local community who work or benefit from the business. Other international studies have also suggested that food processing can bring advantages to the agricultural industry. For example, Ann Brentmar (1996), in her study into the inclusion of the food-processing sector within the farming community in Oregon, US, commented upon two separate but important issues. The first, and the one most relevant to this research, was the benefits that it delivered to the farmers and producers. As Ms Brent mars (1996, p.4) research rightly indicates, in general terms farmer and farming is the most labour and risk intensive part of the food chain and, at the same time the one sector of that chain that attracts the least reward. However, by incorporating the food processing chain, which includes marketing, within the farming activity, it can have the effect of increasing revenue and profitability, which provides an opportunity for these businesses to become more efficient and self-reliant. Secondly, by becoming more self-sufficient in this manner, such a move has the added benefit of preserving farmland, for instance from development, and as a direct result of this will help in the maintenance of rural communities, increasing employment opportunities. Conclusion and Recommendations The hypothesis set at the commencement of this paper was to ascertain if the development of food processing in agricultural areas can provide a route to prosperity. From the research that has been carried out for this paper it is concluded that this case has been proven. All businesses, irrespective of their industry, has to grow and develop, which means adapting to the current environment, and adapting to the changing demands and expectations of the market place, and the agriculture industry cannot be exempted from this process. To address the problems of the industry exclusive of diversification has been proven to be not a viable option. Despite all of the initiatives that have been introduced over the years, the Agriculture industry has not responded positively to these aids, as the continual declines in its fortunes have shown. Therefore, in addition to measures to creating more efficient methods of farming, it is apparent that diversification does provide an opportunity for added prosperity. Whilst, as shown in Cornwall with tourism, some benefit can be gained from diversification outside of the industry itself, this has not been able to be sustained, mainly as a result of influences outside of the control of the agricultural industry itself. In the view of the author diversification within an area that the industry has some knowledge about, such as food processing, would be far more sustainable. Whilst there is little doubt that certain operators within the existing food-processing operations would have reservation regarding it becoming a more localised event, it is proven that, particularly in terms of current concerns from consumers in relation to food safety and environmental issues, promoting localising food processing as addressing these concerns can bring increase in revenue and therefore add value to the business and industry. However, during the transitional period, whilst the industry is in the process of change, there will remain a need for assistance from governments and other non-governmental organisations. Similarly, it is important for the industry itself to understand the need, and takes the necessary steps, to adapt to change from whatever sources this emanates. Bibliography Brent mar, Ann (1996). Preserve Farmland Through Prosperity. Cascade Policy Institute. Cardwell, Michael (2004). The European Model of Agriculture. Oxford University Press. Oxford, UK. Collis Jill and Hussey, Roger (2003). Business Research. 2nd edition, Palgrave MacMillan. Basingstoke, UK. Cornwall Restructure Plan (1997). Urban and Rural Employment, Industry and Commerce. Editorial (1994). Duchy Originals To Be Sold in the US? Milford Mail Tribune. Milford, US. Facing the future (2002) The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food. Factsheet (2000). Nutrition and Food-Processing. British Nutrition Foundation. London, UK. Gardner, Brian (1996). Farming for the Future: Policies, Production and Trade. Rutledge. London, UK. Greer, Alan (2005). Agricultural Policy in Europe. Manchester University Press. Manchester, UK. Haynes, Deborah (2007). Bernard Matthews says bird flu scare not his fault. Reuters. London, UK. Hector, M. (1969) Internal Colonialism: the Celtic fringe in British N ational Development 1536-1966. Rutledge Kegan Paul. London, UK. Jones, Gareth Elwyn (1999). Modern Wales: A Concise History. 2nd ed. University of Cambridge. Cambridge, UK. Lackham Farm and Estate (2007). Food Processing. Lord Curry (2002). Report of the Policy Commission on the future of Farming and Food. Morgan, Kevin., Marsden, Terry and Murdoch, Jonathan (2006). Worlds ofFood: Place, Power and Provenance in the Food Chain. Oxford UniversityPress. Oxford, UK. Pierpont, P. (1997). Food processing in agricultural regions: a routeto prosperity? Agricultural Economics Society Conference, March 1997(in press). Pretty, Jules N (2002). Agri-culture: Reconnecting People, Land and Nature. Earthscan Publications. London, UK. Quinney Adam (2002). Farmers diary: Curry report verdict. BBC News Online. Report (2007). Urban And Rural Employment, Industry Commerce. Richardson, H. (1972). Input-Output and Regional Economics, Weinfeld and Nicolson, London, UK. UK Agriculture (2007). Crisis in UK agriculture and British farming.Vidal, C (2000 a). Thirty Years of Agriculture in Europe: Farm NumbersDeclining as Farms Grow in Size. Eurstat-Statistics in Focus,Agriculture and Fisheries, Theme 5 3/2000. Vidal, C., Eiden G and Hay, K (2005). Agriculture as a Key Issue forRural Development in the European Union. Eurostst. Brussels, Belgium. Welsh Assembly (2007) Welsh Agricultural Statistics 2005.

Report On Building Construction At Unsw - 1721 Words

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET [JOINT SUBMISSION OF GROUP WORK] For submission to: Dr. X Shen Course Code: CVEN 4102 Course Name: Operations Projects Assignment: Group Assignment 1, Report on Building Construction at UNSW ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Before submitting this assignment, students are strongly advised to: ââ€"  Review the assessment requirements contained in the briefing document for the assignment; ââ€"  Review the various matters related to assessment in the relevant Course Outline; ââ€"  Review the Plagiarism and Academic Integrity website a http;/www.lc.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism/pintro.html to ensure they are familiar with the requirements to provide appropriate acknowledgement of source materials; and ââ€"  Retain a copy of this assessment for their records and in case it is misplaced and has to be re-submitted. If after reviewing this material there is any doubt about assessment requirements then in the first instance the student should consult with the Course Coordinator and then if necessary with the Director – Undergraduate Teaching and Learning Committee. While students are generally encouraged to work with other students to enhance learning, all assignments submitted for assessment by a student must be their entire own work and they may be required to explain any or all parts of the assignment to the Course Coordinator or other authorised persons. Collusion is where another person (s) assist in the preparation of an assignment without the consent of knowledge of the CourseShow MoreRelatedEssay957 Words   |  4 Pagesacademic programs as well, similar to AACA in Australia. 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Electronic Commerce Essay Research Paper IntroductionAs the free essay sample

Electronic Commerce Essay, Research Paper Introduction: As the cyberspace grows in popularity every twenty-four hours, so excessively does electronic commercialism. Electronic commercialism, merely set, is the exchange of money for goods and services via electronic agencies. In other words, electronic commercialism is normally when you purchase something off of the cyberspace. Electronic commercialism is frequently referred to as e-commerce, or e-business. In this paper I will be discoursing the proficient side of e-commerce, security, different points of position sing e-business, and of class my personal sentiment and experiences. Background Information: First I would wish to discourse the types of e-business. E-business can be anything from buying a wassailer from a section shop online to look into your bank statement online. All are illustrations of the many facets of e-business. There are several facets of e-business unique to it. When comparing traditional concern to e-business, one can see several differences between the two. We will write a custom essay sample on Electronic Commerce Essay Research Paper IntroductionAs the or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The most obvious difference when purchasing standard goods ( such as a wassailer, a book, or a new computing machine ) is the shop. When covering with e-business there is no # 8220 ; existent # 8221 ; shop or ware to look at. It is all presented through the merchandiser # 8217 ; s web page, or by other electronic agencies. You will non be able to touch, or inspect possible purchases. All you will hold to travel on is possibly a image and a brief description of the point in inquiry. This is evidently a large alteration from traditional store-based concern patterns. Why would any dignified consumer purchase something via e-business if they were unable to touch, or inspect a possible purchase, and there is a existent shop merely done the street? There are several grounds why e-business is appealing to a turning sum of people. For illustration, e-business is based on the cyberspace. If you are utilizing the cyberspace, you are non bound by geographics. You can entree any site, anyplace in the universe from the comfort of your computing machine chair. What does this mean to the consumer? Now the consumer has entree to several things they didn # 8217 ; T before. The consumer now has diverseness. With the full cyberspace at your fingers, in a affair of proceedingss you can shop several shops in several parts of the universe without even go forthing your place. This allows you to compare monetary values and merchandises. With e-business you are non restricted to the monetary values and merchandises of you local shops. You can easy take the best monetary value on the best merchandise. Buying goods electronically is going easier by the twenty-four hours. The bulk of e-businesses have package set up on their web page to take and enter your order every bit good as your recognition card and personal information. The package is set up such that you can order anything you want without holding to interact with anyone what so of all time. You merely have to come in your recognition card figure, reference, and other personal information. Some people are non comfy with the construct of directing their recognition card figure or other personal to a possible merchandiser over the cyberspace, but are more comfy utilizing the telephone. Most concerns know this and have set up a particular figure or other agencies to speak to a representative from the company to settle any inquiries, and to accept recognition card Numberss or other agencies of payment. There are of class several security issues involved in both signifiers of commercialism. I will discourse security in greater item later in the paper. The popularity of e-business is turning about every bit fast as the engineering itself. More and more people are utilizing their computing machines to purchase what of all time they want, whenever they want. Every twenty-four hours there is an increasing figure of companies that join the electronic universe of concern. Companies spend 1000000s of dollars a twelvemonth to apparatus and keep a web site designed for e-business. Why are they willing to pass so much? Most concern people have a good cognition of how and why concern plant. It is non difficult to see that there is a immense market in e-business. With the monetary value of computing machines traveling down each twenty-four hours, more and more people have the chance to acquire in on their piece of internet. A Typical E-business Transaction A ; Security Information: A few methods in which e-business is conducted are shopping, and on-line banking. Let # 8217 ; s analyze the shopping facet of e-business first. When you go to a site to purchase something, a site such as www.amazon.com, there are a few things you should detect. They have something called a shopping cart. When you eventually make up ones mind that you want to purchase something, you enter the measure you wish to buy, and so # 8220 ; add to shopping cart # 8221 ; . The shopping cart it a CGI book used to maintain path of the things you want, and how many. This is a manner to maintain path of everything while you can go on shopping. When you are finished adding everything to the shopping cart, so you choose the option to # 8220 ; look into out # 8221 ; . This starts another CGI book that takes all of your personal informations such as your name, reference, and phone figure, every bit good as your recognition card figure. When you examine the online banking part of e-business, you have a few more things to see. In order to usage online banking, you will hold to hold an history with the bank in inquiry. Once you have your history, you can travel to the bank # 8217 ; s web page and set it up by giving them history and personal information. Then you will be able to utilize their package to entree your history. There is decidedly an issue with privateness in both instances. It is obvious that clients make non what their personal information released. A more of import issue, possibly more of import than your personal information is your recognition card figure. This can be used by anyone who has it. There is no existent manner to halt person from utilizing your figure at another site to purchase things with out your permission. This is a major concern of the e-business industry. Should the consumer be concerned? Well, yes and no. The first thing you should be concerned with is the cogency of the e-business itself. Unless the company can offer you some sort of confidence that you can hold with, you should lodge to the companies you know and trust. Many concerns you have been utilizing for old ages are now doing the push to supply an electronic method to shop. Once you have established that you are in fact covering with a respectable house, you in most instances have nil more to worry approximately. Most respectable companies use informations encoding to procure on-line transportations. These sites use your browser to code informations so that no 1 without the decoding key can derive entree to your information. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape come standard with 40-bit encoding. With your informations encrypted, even with a 40-bit encoding, it is safer to convey that informations around the universe than to name in your figure over the telephone. When you are speaking about online banking, you most probably will hold to upgrade your browser to back up 128-bit encoding. The bulk of on-line banking companies will non allow you utilize the basic 40-bit encoding because it is non rather every bit safe as the 128-bit version. It is assumed that you need more protection for your bank histories than you do for a basic on-line purchase. In all instances you should be utilizing some signifier of encoding to reassign informations. Some companies will give you a security warrant. Issues Sing E-business: There are two points of position to see. There is the consumer and the concern individual. Within these two groups, there are those in favour of e-business and those who are non. First I would wish to speak about the consumer and there points of position. There are many grounds why a possible client will either like e-business or will non. I believe the chief ground most people like e-business is the easiness in which they can acquire what of all time they want, when of all time they want it. Anyone with a valid recognition card can travel to a site such as www.amazone.com, and order anything they want at any clip of the twenty-four hours. Within a few yearss ( depending on the method of transporting chosen ) their order will get at their front door. The job with shopping online is, because you are non bound by geographics, the company you bought from could be on the other side of the universe. They have to direct you the merchandise. This evidently creates holds in having your ware and you will besides have to pay a modest transportation charge in add-on to any other charges. If you are purchasing something heavy like a computing machine proctor, you may non want to pass the excess 50 or so dollars to hold it shipped. In this instance traveling to your local circuit metropolis may be a more effectual manner of shopping. Basically, when shopping online you have the power to acquire anything any clip, but you may hold to pay for your convenience. From the position of the e-business itself, there are other things to see. Mostly you need to see the cost versus the gross revenues. Is it worth the cost to setup and keep a web site? What precisely is involved in puting up an e-business? In order to put an e-business you will necessitate a sphere name, webspace to put images and things like that, and bandwidth. In add-on to this, you might necessitate to engage proficient support, and purchase package needed to run your concern. Compared to the cost of traditional commercialism, I believe e-business is much cheaper to run and keep. When running an e-business you wont have every bit high of an overhead to pay. A sphere name, webspace, and bandwidth are all reasonably inexpensive. A turning figure of concerns think e-commerce is a good investing, and a legitimate manner to spread out their company. Large companies such as K-Mart are tilting towards the e-business market. Personal Experience: In my pursuit for the best merchandise at the best monetary value, I excessively have turned to e-commerce from clip to clip to acquire what I needed. My first experience comes from buying a telephone online. I started by sing several sites and inspecting what they had to offer. I began to detect right away that some shops are more expensive than others, even for the exact merchandise. I proceeded to happen the best trade on the phone I wanted and, as I described before I added it to my shopping cart at www.amazon.com. Following I went to look into out. The scrip loaded and I entered all of my personal informations and my recognition card figure. After I did all of that, I was taken to a charge screen where I could take my signifier of transporting based on cost and clip. At the underside of the charge subdivision it added the monetary value of the phone and all of the extra charges ( such as transportation ) , and produced an existent sum. Before continuing to corroborate my order I considered my place. Be it deserving the monetary value after transporting to purchase here alternatively of at a local store? Do I need the phone right off? It turned out that even after transporting and all extra costs, I got the phone for less than my local shops could offer. Because I did non necessitate the phone right off, I decided to buy it. Within three or four yearss I received my phone and was satisfied with my first on-line purchase. It is besides deserving observing that I bought my phone at about 2am. Another personal experience of mine respects online banking. I have a checking and a nest eggs history with Wellsfargo. I noticed that they offered online banking free of charge, so I figured I would seek it out. I went to their web sites and began to setup my online history. I was asked for my basic personal and my history information. I gave them all of that and proceeded to seek to log into my history. I was surprised to happen that I could non. I was utilizing Internet Explorer with merely 40-bit encoding. Wellsfargo requires that you use a browser with at least 128-bit encoding. After I downloaded the addon for Internet Explorer, I successfully logged in. I was meet with a figure of options. I could look into my look intoing history balance, my nest eggs history balance, and I could reassign money between the two. This made me really pleased. I have problem maintaining my checking history up to day of the month, but with this I could see precisely what I had with merely a twenty-four hours # 8217 ; s hold. I am excessively pleased with all of my e-business brushs. I enjoy purchasing things from my place at any hr. It is besides really convenient to see my history position in about existent clip. Summary: To sum up this paper, e-business is fundamentally on-line minutess for goods and services. There are many things to see when purchasing something online. First you should be covering with a company that you are wholly comfy with. After you have that established, on-line shopping is safer than any other signifier of commercialism because of the usage of encrypted informations transportation. Online banking is another facet that is deserving looking into. You can acquire information about your histories anytime for small or no charge. Online banking, of class requires a stronger method of encoding, so you may necessitate to download the newest security plugin for your browser. Finally, e-business is the new concern of the hereafter. You can purchase anything, any clip, and acquire information from your place. Which makes being antisocial merely that much easier.

We Need To Learn How free essay sample

By the time I reached the seventh grade I could name the fifty states, the thirteen counties, and each of the American Presidents in order. I wrote the longest essays in class, and I could read an entire book in a day. I thought I knew everything. I focused on school and getting an education, because I thought it was the only thing that would take me places in life. While it definitely helps, I now know that classroom education isn’t everything. We have a whole world to learn from. The very same year that I considered myself to be a super-genius, I was given a life-changing opportunity that would teach me more than I ever thought possible. Like all of my 30 fellow classmates, I was given an application to the local non-profit organization, Trekkers. I cautiously filled out my application and reassured myself that if I wasn’t chosen, â€Å"It wasn’t a big deal anyway. We will write a custom essay sample on We Need To Learn How or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † A few months later my name was drawn from the pool of 80 applicants. Along with nineteen other students from two different schools, I was officially a Trekker. Since that day Trekkers has given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. I have bussed around the east coast on our iconic bus, and flown over 2,000 miles to explore the great unknown of Colorado. With Trekkers I’ve visited over 30 different colleges and universities, more than 40 historical sites and museums, the United States Senate, and the Tribal Council of the Southern Ute Indians. Did I also mention hiking sand dunes, being awed by Arches National Park, and exploring the historic cave swellings at Mesa Verde? Needless to say, we’ve been busy. While each of our expeditions has been unforgettable, there is one that has forever changed my life. Our trusty bus green and white bus first brought me to Camden, New Jersey as nervous eighth grader. Being the poorest city in America, with a la rgely African-American population, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. We had no street smarts, no experience with different ethnicities, and thanks to stereotypes, we were scared. The group was divided into teams and sent to help with an under-funded daycare center, the local â€Å"Meals on Wheels† program, or an often over-crowded soup kitchen. Walking into the childcare center, I couldn’t believe what I saw. The yellowing floor was bowed, curling up along the edges and water leaks had left brown sagging marks along the ceiling. The classrooms were no better. My attention was immediately drawn to chipping paint and dusty residue, I remember thinking to myself, this can’t be healthy. Although I knew they were doing the best they could, the place was filthy. I spent my day trying to overlook the condition of the facility, and instead enjoying my time with the children and their teachers. The children, all toddlers within the ages of two and three, were delighted to have someone new in the room. These guys had no sense of the racial divide between us. They didn’t care what color my skin was, or where I came from. They were just happy to have someone to share their happiness and laughter with. The classroom teachers took the time to tell me a lot about the area, and the different possible backgrounds of the children. I learned that over 90% of these innocent children were living below America’s poverty line. Most of them wouldn’t have dinner that night. I learned that most of them lived with large families in cramped homes. I learned that most of these children were from families struggling with physical violence, drug addiction and alcohol abuse. And most heart-wrenching of all I learned that my presence alone might be one of the only positive experiences these kids will have to hang onto. For the first time in my life, I finally realized that I didn’t know everything. In fact, I didn’t much at a ll. Over the next few years, and to this day, that experience remains in the bottom of my heart, and in the back of my mind. I’ve returned to Camden three times since, volunteering in elementary schools, soup kitchens, nursing homes and getting to know the residents of the infamous â€Å"Tent City.† Camden keeps me on my toes and never fails to teach me something new. I’ve gained the knowledge I need to share with others that there’s a whole world full of people to learn from. We have yet to discover the potential of places like Camden. While I might not know everything, there’s one thing I know for sure. We can make a difference; we just need to learn how.