David Hitchens, Professor of Applied Economics and Head of Department of Economics, Queen’s University, Belfast, Esmond Birnie, Ulster University, Angela McGowan, formerly Research Assistant, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK, Ursula Triebswetter, Department of Labor and Economics, State Capital Munich, Germany and Alberto Cottica, former Research Oficer, Eco and Eco, Bologna, Italy

• Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Systems of Regulation of Effluent Discharge: International Comparisons 3. Structural Background of the Meat and Dairy Processing Sectors 4. Environmental Regulation – Negative and Positive Impacts on Cost Competitiveness: A Theoretical and Empirical Consideration 5. Research Method 6. Description of the Sample 7. Company Performance and Characteristics 8. Waste and Effluent Costs and Abatement Initiatives 9. Environmental Initiatives, Quality of Effluent, Waste Inspection and Environmental Compliance 10. The Relationship between Economic Performance and Environmental Performance 11. Productivity and Employment Effects of Waste Regulation 12. Environmental Regulation, Costs and Company Competitiveness 13. Conclusions References

David Hitchens, Professor of Applied Economics and Head of Department of Economics, Queen’s University, Belfast, Esmond Birnie, Ulster University, Angela McGowan, formerly Research Assistant, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK, Ursula Triebswetter, Department of Labor and Economics, State Capital Munich, Germany and Alberto Cottica, former Research Oficer, Eco and Eco, Bologna, Italy

• Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Systems of Regulation of Effluent Discharge: International Comparisons 3. Structural Background of the Meat and Dairy Processing Sectors 4. Environmental Regulation – Negative and Positive Impacts on Cost Competitiveness: A Theoretical and Empirical Consideration 5. Research Method 6. Description of the Sample 7. Company Performance and Characteristics 8. Waste and Effluent Costs and Abatement Initiatives 9. Environmental Initiatives, Quality of Effluent, Waste Inspection and Environmental Compliance 10. The Relationship between Economic Performance and Environmental Performance 11. Productivity and Employment Effects of Waste Regulation 12. Environmental Regulation, Costs and Company Competitiveness 13. Conclusions References

David Hitchens, Professor of Applied Economics and Head of Department of Economics, Queen’s University, Belfast, Esmond Birnie, Ulster University, Angela McGowan, formerly Research Assistant, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK, Ursula Triebswetter, Department of Labor and Economics, State Capital Munich, Germany and Alberto Cottica, former Research Oficer, Eco and Eco, Bologna, Italy

• Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Systems of Regulation of Effluent Discharge: International Comparisons 3. Structural Background of the Meat and Dairy Processing Sectors 4. Environmental Regulation – Negative and Positive Impacts on Cost Competitiveness: A Theoretical and Empirical Consideration 5. Research Method 6. Description of the Sample 7. Company Performance and Characteristics 8. Waste and Effluent Costs and Abatement Initiatives 9. Environmental Initiatives, Quality of Effluent, Waste Inspection and Environmental Compliance 10. The Relationship between Economic Performance and Environmental Performance 11. Productivity and Employment Effects of Waste Regulation 12. Environmental Regulation, Costs and Company Competitiveness 13. Conclusions References