本稿は，経済理論の史的展開に農業がいかなる影響を与えたかについて，一つの解釈を提示したものである．農業は，自然が富を生み出すとする観点から重農主義学説を成立させ，イングランドにおける農業資本主義の発展は古典派経済学の成立を助けた．さらに古典派経済学の賃金基金説および自然賃金論の背景には農業が支配的であることと農業の収穫逓減の性質があったが，そうした農業の諸性質の変容は古典派経済学を解体させ限界生産力説等に基づく新古典派経済学の登場に導いた．現代の新古典派理論の限界生産力説や労働の要素供給理論は農業に支えられている面があり，新古典派理論の取引所型市場像の背景にも農業の存在がある．

Agricultural policy research institutes around the world share a common mission: to provide data and analytical results that contribute to policy planning and development. Simultaneously, they are venturing into new research areas such as climate change, biodiversity, nutrition, equity, and digital technology, and disseminating their findings not only to their primary users—the administrative departments—but also to a broader audience. The importance of dialogue between researchers and policymakers for the social implementation of research is undisputed. In this context, policy think tanks can play a significant role in bridging the gap between the two. Policy-oriented experimental research is a crucial area for the future, as it moves away from the myth of infallibility and emphasizes agile policymaking processes.