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AbstractIncreased policy interest in food safety and nutrition issues in the 1980s and 1990s was coincident with the growth in women's participation in agricultural economics. In pursuing these new research challenges, women expanded the scope, impact, and gender participation of agricultural economics. In addition to pursuing cutting‐edge research, women provided leadership in building institutions to support this sub‐field. Four institutions—the NE‐165 Regional Research Project, The Food Industry Center at University of Minnesota, the Food Economics Division at USDA/ERS, and the Food Safety and Nutrition Section of the AAEA—owe much of their contributions to women's leadership.

AbstractThe future competitiveness of the U.S. food industry depends on its ability to deliver high‐quality products at competitive prices to domestic and international markets. Recent developments in the establishment and operation of quality management metasystems are having important effects on this competitiveness. Their use has the potential to enhance product quality, simplify contractual relationships, demonstrate compliance with regulations, and improve responsiveness to customers. Their use is also requiring novel internal organization and market linkages between firms.