Three aspects of my research program deserve acknowledgment. First, the development of legislative suggestions shows the application of my research to directly assist farmers and the agricultural sector. For example, my idea for trademark protection for Vidalia Onions was successfully implemented through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. My research on the Georgia Right to Farm Law formed the basis for the adoption of an amended law significantly strengthening the anti-nuisance protection for Georgia farmers and agribusiness operations.
Second, through policy analyses of agro-environmental and agribusiness legislation, agricultural clientele have been provided information on an expansive range of contemporary topics. In over 230 publications, fellow scientists, courts, state legislatures, Congress, and policy-makers have used and continue to use my research in designing research agendas and in developing new regulatory institutions.
Third, the interdisciplinary nature of much of my research involves working with a broad range of researchers and research issues, and the broad dissemination of their findings and recommendations. My research contributions include 75 journal articles in law, economics, marketing, horticulture, agricultural engineering, environmental science, dairy science, and veterinary journals.