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Abstract
Excerpts: In response to the need for formal economic models to help guide policy formulation, the Farm Production Economics Division of the USDA's Economic Research Service has developed a specific approach or research activity. This research activity is not confined to any one programming or statistical model. Rather, it utilizes a system of models, techniques, and analytical procedures to aid in the analysis and evaluation of policy proposals. Three characteristics distinguish the FPED research effort: (1) the use of a complementary system of tools, (2) the team approach involving a group of researchers working on a common problem, and (3) the continuity of the effort over time. The integrated research system provides the capability to make maximum use of all available research resources--models, data, and the informed judgment of a group of specialists. The system of models and procedures utilized by FPED is called the Aggregate Production Analysis System (APAS). This system brings together data from many sources, several econometric techniques, and individual informed judgment and technical skills.