These OECD workshop proceedings examine the various risk strategies used by farm households, in particular those attracting renewed interest such as diversification of income sources, vertical co-ordination, hedging on futures markets, insurance coverage and public safety-nets.

This book examines the current magnitude and characteristics of risk-related policies in agriculture and what is known about the quantitative size of agricultural risks. It also looks at the on-farm, off-farm, and market instruments available to manage risk.

Risk Management and the Environment: Agriculture in Perspective is a modern academic work that seeks to bring out both to the private and the policy sectors the importance of risk management in relation to the envi ronment in agriculture, as the world moves towards freer markets. Many efforts were pooled together in making this book. Three years ago, an attempt was made by one of the editors to get a project on 'Agri cultural Risk Management and Sustainabilty' (ARMAS) funded by the European Commission. Probably deeming the proposal as prematurely novel for Europe, the Commission's screening experts abandoned its evaluation. Following that experience it became apparent that the literature on the theme ought to be strengthened and emphasized through a book by a well known publishing house. The editorial team was formed relatively quickly and an invitation to known experts in the field for contributions was issued. Subsequently, Kluwer Academic Publishers, evaluated an edited volume proposal package, and final revisions were made prior to submitting the entire manuscript for publication. We are gratefully acknowledging the moral support of several individu als as well as the patience of our publishers.

International trade agreements and reforms of the European Common Agricultural Policy increase the importance of agricultural risk management as a means to stabilise farm incomes. 'Income stabilisation in European agriculture' addresses farm income and risk management issues from various perspectives. A cohesive work is brought together on historic income data, quantitative analyses of future policy scenarios, actual farmers' perceptions and an updated view on various risk management instruments. In-depth analyses focus on Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. Overall findings are synthesised in policy recommendations for agricultural risk management in European agriculture. For academia, this publication brings together an interesting variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to understand and interpret risk management concepts in agriculture. For public and private stakeholders analyses and reflections can be used in debating the domain of policy reforms, risk exposure and risk management in European agriculture.

This book examines the implications of risk management for policy in agriculture. Opening with a chapter on risk management principles and guidelines for policy design in agriculture, the book goes on to look at quantitative analysis of risk and then at policy in various countries.

Wiskundige analysemethoden voor het bepalen van financiele risico's in het landbouwbedrijfsbeheer