Misplaced Distrust: Policy Networks and the Environment in France, the United States, and Canada. By Éric Montpetit. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press, 2003. 168p. $75.00 cloth, $24.95 paper.

Given the enormous impact that agricultural practices have on the natural environment, it is surprising that so little research has been done on the subject. In addition to problems associated with runoff from feedlots, farming generally requires the use of large amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. The chemicals that are used in farming, if not adequately controlled, pollute the air and water and negatively impact plants, wildlife, animals, and humans. Many environmental scientists believe that agriculture has become too dependent on chemicals to raise animals and grow crops and that it relies too little on effective natural alternatives.