Enlightened Interaction between Agronomy and Agricultural Economics

This paper looks at a future in which both disciplines are coping with a declining clientele and support base. It asks the question: Are there ways that we all can better cope with our problems by working together? The concepts of systems analysis and holistic management are considered as a basis for multi‐disciplinary work. The implications for academic programs are considered. In the implications for research, attention is directed to ways of assessing what components of biological research results might be expected to be commercially adopted. The case was made that economic analysis gives several insights into the translation of new technology into commercial application. It was concluded that working together more could improve our joint and separate products whether or not it might reverse the decline we are experiencing.