Which term describes the practice of ensuring that prices do not drop below a specified level?

The term that accurately describes the practice of ensuring that prices do not drop below a specified level is "price floor." A price floor is a government-imposed limit on how low a price can be charged for a product or service, typically set above the equilibrium market price to protect producers' interests. This practice is often utilized in industries such as agriculture, where governments want to ensure farmers receive a minimum income despite fluctuations in market demand.

By establishing a price floor, the intention is to prevent prices from falling too low, which could jeopardize the financial viability of producers and lead to broader economic consequences. The implementation of a price floor can lead to surpluses if the price is set too high, causing more supply than demand.

Understanding price floors is essential in discussions about market regulation and economic policies, as they illustrate the balance between protecting producers while attempting to maintain market stability.