ISHS Acta Horticulturae 55: IV Symposium on Horticultural Economics
FOREWORD |
| Author: | R.R.W. Folley |
| Abstract:
As we first receive and subsequently refer to this volume of collected papers we shall think of the kindly autumn climate of Unterfranken and how much we felt at home in the Bavarian countryside as yet untouched by Development: not to mention the excellent arrangements for living and working at the Lehranstalt and the drama of the Weinprobe. Horticulture is developing fast in more countries than the Commission can cope with; but within its powers the Commission should assist regional development in horticultural economics. Perhaps in future there will be regional Symposia allowing for discussion of local problems and practices: also more joint Symposia with companion bodies of the I.S.H.S. The latter in particular will require ample notice for the economists concerned. In fact, in the main themes of the Fourth Symposium (energy use and location of production) our speakers were addressing many other applied scientists as well as their audience. Energy and land use now have global importance and horticulture in diverse forms is finding its way into everyday life in developed countries. Thus, the field of horticultural economics will in future be approached from several directions and its scope must surely be widened; by practice more than by research, so travel and extramural experience will become still more valuable to the academic economist. The papers on energy use demonstrate the virtue of the economic approach. Against the body of opinion our speakers were relatively optimistic about the future of glasshouse sectors. Their conclusions were justified, for later experience tends to show that glasshouse industries will survive, with the difference that life will only be a little worse than before the 'crisis'. On a personal note, I am grateful for the duties that have befallen the Chairman during his term of office.
The rewards have been greater than he deserved.
I recall the support of colleagues and the workers at our Symposia and thank them all for the part they have played.
I can only wish the same to continue for my successor, to whom I extend my best wishes. | |
