Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Population dynamics of seabirds have been linked to availability of bycatch discarded from commercial fishery operations. In South Carolina, USA, populations of brown pelicans and royal terns have declined since the late 1980s, populations of sandwich terns and laughing gulls have increased, but the mechanisms underlying these shifts are unclear. South Carolina also supports a shrimp fleet that operates in inshore waters where these species forage. We examined the distribution and abundance of seabirds at shrimp trawlers in relation to colony locations. We also determined the fate of fish discarded as bycatch and the energy density of the discarded fish. Trawlers were attended regularly by all species of locally breeding seabirds out to ca. 30 km from colonies. Laughing gulls were the most frequently observed seabird at trawlers followed by brown pelicans, royal terns, and sandwich terns. Seabirds selected smaller discard items compared to larger items, and selected benthic fish that typically would not be available as prey. Laughing gulls may be affected most strongly by the availability of additional food via discarded bycatch but terns and pelicans forage at trawlers frequently enough that changes in the size or trawling patterns of the shrimp fleet could affect their foraging ecology.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Food insecurity, defined as having insufficient funds to enable families to purchase enough food to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, is particularly problematic in impoverished households. Disabled impoverished persons, in particular those who live alone, may be more susceptible to food insecurity as functional limitations may impede their ability to purchase and prepare food. The association between food insecurity and disability among the impoverished was assessed using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) for 2003. The PSID is a longitudinal study of a representative sample of U.S. individuals and the family units in which they reside. The study collected economic and health information on 7822 families in 2003. Household food insecurity was calculated from the USDA 18 core item food security module. The household head or spouse was defined as disabled if they reported having difficulty with one or more activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living. Food stamp participation information was used to identify 728 families receiving food stamps in 2003. Results from our analysis suggested that among households receiving food stamps in 2003, 41.3% of disabled households were food insecure relative to only 26.3% of non-disabled households. Results from our multivariate analysis revealed that households whose head and or spouse was disabled were at increased risk of being food secure in comparison to households whose head and/or spouse had no disability. Food insecurity may be reduced by the Food Stamp Program; however, the program is significantly less able to minimize the probability of food insecurity in disabled households. These results suggest that the food stamp program is in need of reform in order to be better able to address the needs of the disabled.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Debates about the setting of “good” public policy often center on the role that democratic participation should play. An evaluation of regulatory constraints and barriers to small scale beef production in Michigan offers a glimpse into how the structure of participation in policy might play a role in shaping market outcomes. Our work identifying the constraints on participation can facilitate greater understanding and cooperation between producers who feel disenfranchised and members of the land grant system, as well as officials in state and federal agencies. By helping to align policy goals (e.g., achieving safer food, minimizing spread of animal diseases), we as agrifood scholars can participate in both scholarship and public outreach to achieve lasting results in attaining a more level economic playing field; a stronger rural economy; and a safer, cleaner food supply. We conclude by exploring how our project advances the spirit of rural sociology as public sociology.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: The USDA measures food security with a scale consisting of eighteen survey items. Households responding affirmatively to three or more conditions indicating difficulty obtaining food are defined as food insecure, recently renamed low food secure. Households responding affirmatively to one or two conditions are sometimes labeled marginally food secure but are generally referred to as food secure even though they are experiencing anxiety over food shortages. Are marginally secure households more similar to secure or insecure households? With Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement data I compare food insecure, marginally food secure and food secure households using multinomial logistic regression. I find that the characteristics of marginally secure households are overwhelmingly similar to insecure households. Marginally secure households differ from secure households. If marginally secure households are more similar to insecure households they may be incorrectly classified as secure and national estimates of food insecurity may be biased downward.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: The center of the U.S. farming and food system is disappearing. Caught in the middle as the food system divides into global agricultural commodity marketing, on the one side, and direct marketing of food to local consumers, on the other, many traditional family farms/ranches/fisheries are increasingly at risk. Conventional food supply chains also squeeze out many regionally-based food processors, distributors, retailers and other food enterprises-of-the-middle. Restoring balance and integrity to these agri-food economic relationships will require changes in both private sector business models and public policy. The panel will explore one strategy for such new business models: values-based supply chains (value chains)...strategic alliances between mid-size independent (often cooperative) food production, processing, and distribution/retail enterprises that seek to create and retain more value on the front (farmer/rancher/fisher) end of the chain, and effectively operate at regional levels. Comparative data will be shared relative to successful food value chains in four agri-food sectors and three regions of the country