This report summarizes ideas from a symposium at the 1984 summer meeting of the American Agricultural Economics Association. The symposium addressed the interaction of natural resources and food policy issues in the formulation of government policy. Attention focused on the role of natural resources, in the policy formulation process and on likely impacts of alternative policies. Issues addressed included specific resource topics such as soil conservation and water use and conservation. Also addressed were broader issues such as the appropriate roles of government in influencing resource use. Papers also addressed the interactions and conflicts inherent in the policy formulation process and the implications of alternative approaches.