For lots of information on small farms including impacts on communities, see
the USDA Report of the National Commission on Small Farms (1998) -- this is
available on-line through the USDA homepage.
The farmer's share of total agricultural economic activity has declined from
21% in 1910 to 5% in 1990. The marketing share has held steady at 65%,
while the input sector has increased from 14% to 30% (Smith 1992 -- Choices
(first quarter):8-10.
Hope this helps.
At 10:47 AM 8/15/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Help! I need some statistics quick! I'm trying to make a case for
>sustainable agriculture.
>
>What are some numbers on:
>
>1. How much of this country's drinking water is contaminated with farm
>chemicals?
>
>2. How much top soil is being lost each year with conventional tillage?
>
>3. How farmgate prices compare to a decade ago?
>
>4. How farm input prices compare to a decade ago?
>
>5. How much pesticides are being used now compared to 10, 25, or 50
>years
>ago?
>
>6. What effect this is having on pests and crop damage?
>
>7. How many small farms we are losing each year? In the past decade?
>
>8. What economic impact do small farms have on rural communities?
>
>
>Any statistics that demonstrate a need for sustainable agriculture would
>be
>greatly appreciated. Thank you.
>
>Jean Mills
>Southern SAWG
>jeanmills@aol.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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