This textbook differs from those hitherto available in that it takes a properly international approach to the subject of agricultural economics, is extremely user friendly and adaptable to readers from a plethora of perspectives and is laced throughout with real world examples, case studies and other pedagogical features. Topics covered are wide ranging and include: - world food production and population, the global food trade and trade politics - food safety and the food chain - coverage of market and subsistence oriented food production - arable and animal production and management at farm level - environmental impacts and socioeconomic aspects on agriculture The main purpose of this book is as an introduction to agricultural economics, but its scope is broad enough to serve as a guide to global agriculture in general.