The starting point of this chapter lies in the idea that existence can be understood in physical terms that can be perceived through the senses. As a consequence, according to the authors, individuality is characterized by stable identities that are pre-social and independent of the group, and every person can be considered as a psychophysical "universe of one." In this perspective, human beings are believed to exist prior to society. Looking at the administrative theory, this pluralist approach to both governance and economics is New Public Service; it ideally engages all actors equally in pluralistic policy making and implementation. In Denhardt and Crothers' opinion, Public officials "play an important role in governance by balancing community values, legal and organizational constraints, and a variety of other factors in a manner that can be legitimized relative to a particular situation". The authors describe the historical background regarding the issue, focusing on the agricultural production, until the present time characterized by the fact that Government regulation of production, pricing, and subsidies are now largely guided by pluralist politics. The study highlights how decentralizing authority and leaving food policy to competitive market mechanisms have transformed agricultural production. The example of the US is presented: in 2010, 70 percent of the net agricultural value added to the US economy was produced by farms classified as very large family farms or corporate farms, with only 18 percent produced by small family farms. It is clear that market mechanisms are the preferred means for determining production type, quantity, and processes, as well as distribution to consumers. The means of production are privately held and controlled, and to the extent that government is involved in regulating the agricultural sector and providing incentives for production, these decisions are influenced by pluralist politics driven by special interest groups.
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