The structure of agricultural production has evolved in different manners around the world. It has been based on what is functional in each country and the social and political considerations that have been established in agricultural policy. Each structure has its specific characteristics which determine how ecological recommendations concerning production will be received. There is a need to compare structures internationally to identify what is occurring and what can be expected from differing structures. Family agriculture, because of its intrinsic characteristics, has traditionally valued conservation activities out of respect for future generations. To the extent that structures become more profit oriented the sustainability of production has come into question.