Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s online report “Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators” identifies trends in how natural resources (land and water) and commercial inputs (energy, nutrients, pesticides, and machinery) are used in the agricultural sector; shows how they contribute to environmental quality; and links use and quality to technological change, production practices, and farm programs. The report takes stock of the economic factors that affect resource use and, when data permit, estimates the costs and benefits (to farmers, consumers, and the government) of meeting conservation and environmental goals. It also describes and assesses public policies that affect conservation and environmental quality in agriculture.