re: The Multiple Functions and Benefits of Small Farm
Edna M Weigel (eweigel@juno.com)
Mon, 4 Oct 1999 12:21:03 -0700
snip...
"In fact small farms are 'multi-functional' -- more productive, more
efficient, and contribute more to economic development than do large
farms,"
...snip...
"small farmers not only still cling to the soil but continue
to be more productive and more efficient than large, agri-business
farming operations.
...snip...
"Free trade causes the prices
farmers receive to drop through the floor", said Rosset," driving them
into bankruptcy by the millions." Such low prices mean only the largest
can survive, according to the study.
...snip
What did I miss here? If small farms are more efficient, then
why does a drop in prices cause the small ones to go bankrupt while the
largest survive?
This reminds me of the paradox that "organic" food supposedly
costs less to produce yet costs more in the store. The only plausible
explanation I've heard is the cost of certification, but this won't apply
to the above discussion about small farms being more efficient but going
bankrupt before the largest ones when prices drop.
Regards, Edna
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