Encapsulates the history of the period 1936-1986 in British agriculture, when government policy sought to aid the competitiveness of the industry.
Preface; Acknowledgements; Part I. The Social, Economic and Political Context of Agricultural Change: 1. Revolutions of the past; 2. The modern revolution, its origins and accomplishments; Part II. The Science and Technology of the Modern Agricultural Revolution: 3. Problems of measurement; 4. Mechanisation; 5. Soils, fertilisers and water; 6. The control of weeds, pests and plant diseases; 7. Breeding more productive plants; 8. Integrations and innovations in crop husbandry; 9. Hunger in the midst of plenty; 10. Better and more productive animals; 11. Animal health and disease; 12. Integrations in animal husbandry; Part III. How did the Science-Based Revolution Happen, and What is the Way Forward as Support is Withdrawn?: 13. Science during the revolution; Glossary; Index.
'This compact but readable book will be an invaluable source for specialists, agricultural students, political researchers and the curious laity.' Colin Leakey, Times Higher Education Supplement