Finding a Partial Cure for Rural Policy Insanity

Abstract

"Insanity: (is) doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." (Attributed to Albert Einstein) This paper looks beneath the conflict over regulation and property rights, and considers what strategies will work to conserve and restore rural environments without excessive use of coercion through regulation. The author suggests, based on detailed studies, that the answer lies in innovation in how sustainability is funded, and significant streamlining of the cumbersome regulatory system that is used. The paper presents specific recommendations for achieving both strategic aims. The author suggests that unless these problems are solved, there will be no effective resolution of the regulation and property issues for farmers.