[Winona Online Democracy]
On Apr 28, 2006, at 06:38, Scott Lowery wrote:
Just a quick reply to Paul's free market critique of my modest
suggestion on behalf of the Winona Farmer's Market. Maybe I could
agree with his approach if the economic situation for food producers
was anything like the level playing field conjured up by Paul's
philosophy. First, we'd have to eliminate all the hidden subsidies
which support the agricultural-industrial complex with our tax
dollars. Let's see, how about the Corps of Engineers, the Interstate
Highway system, the vast labyrinth of agricultural subsidies that keep
agric-biz produce prices artificially low for happy big box shoppers.
How about all the public costs of monitoring and sometimes cleaning up
after potentially toxic "modern" agricultural practices? Gee, the cost
to the City of a few signs or newspaper ads in support of local,
sustainable growers doesn't look too bad, does it?
Scott Lowery
Anyone who drives benefits from the interstate highway system
*directly*. Anyone who purchases a diversity of products benefits
indirectly. The interstate highway system amounts to a subsidy for
everyone.
With the rising price of gasoline, many products are increasingly being
sent by rail...
The Corps of Engineers benefits all as well, for better or worse.
On Apr 26, 2006, at 20:23, Paul Double wrote:
How about they raise their prices to afford to pay for
their own advertising, provide their own gas money plus charge enough
to
make a profit for their time and energy?
Paul Double
This makes sense as freshness is a premium aspect sought after by most
for fruits and vegetables. This amounts to the same reason why
'Cortland' apples generally command a retail premium.
********************************************
David Dittmann
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