Le processus d’élaboration des politiques (document en anglais)

(References: Knutson et al., Halcrow, Seitz, Nelson and Halcrow)

What is Policy?

1. Policy is a consciously developed course of action involving decision and action on the part of people and their institutions especially government (Halcrow).

2. A definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions (Webster).

Elements of Policy Making: There are four elements in the policy making process. These include:

1. Goals: Social goals may include economic efficiency, equity, food abundance and environmental equity.

2. Means: These are the resources needed to implement policy and include inputs, compensation and finance.

3. Implementation: Institutional units are needed to administer or enforce policies.

4. Constraints: These are factors that may constrain the achievement of policy goals.

The Process of Policy Making: Policy making involves the following four processes.

1. A felt need or dissatisfaction with the status quo is transmitted into goals.

2. Public awareness is developed.

3. Public acceptance of the need for action.

4. Study and analysis of alternative courses of action.

5. Bills are legislated and signed into law.

Agricultural Policy: These are the principles that guide government programs that influence production, resources used in production, domestic and international markets for commodities and food products, food consumption and nutrition, food safety and the conditions under which people live in rural areas. Ag policy is related to economic, foreign and environmental policy (Knutson et al.)

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