Re: Inefficiency of capitalist agricuture.

[boddhisatva <kbevans@xxxxxxxxx>]

                Matt D.,




        I believe I agree with your point, except insofar as the "family
farm" certainly represents less efficient production than the agri-business
monstrosity, because of economies of scale, hedging capabilities and
diversification.  Clearly there is over-capitalization even in the large
firms.  Subsidies exacerbate this, so does the fact that the small farmer
must over-commit to land despite the risk of weak prices or bad crops.  He
incurs debt and is thus more committed.  This effect can really be seen
clearly in the fishing industry.  George's banks fishermen who opposed
government catch limits (because they had to pay off their boats), now beg
the government to compensate them now that the grounds must be completely
closed (they are dead anyway).



        If there were fewer tuna boats, tuna fishing could be profitable,
with the same prices.


        Growers use illegal labor because they are likewise over-extended.





        peace





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