Economics of US State and Local Regulation of Farm Practices, with Emphasis on Restrictions of Interstate Trade

Abstract

This review focuses on the economics of policies in US states (or localities) that have regulated farm practices and related behavior. Some of these policies represent long-standing policies to govern the nature of farm organization, such as regulation of corporate ownership, investment, or organization. Other more recent policies attempt to affect specific scientific innovations, such as the use of seeds developed using modern biology (e.g., foods from genetically modified organisms). Another recent group of state laws and regulations addresses treatment of farm animals. Finally, treatment of the production and marketing of marijuana is the most recent state agricultural regulation to spark widespread interest and controversy. State and local regulations of farm practices are of broad practical interest because they affect markets beyond their jurisdictions. Broad concerns also follow if the regulations set legal or political precedents, or when rules apply to farm practices in outside jurisdictions.