Subject: [NAFEX] Value of agriculture/corporate farming
Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 21:13:02 +0000
One thing not mentioned in the string so far is the loss of the
ag-supporting sector of the economy, as farm numbers reduce and rural areas
depopulate. I don't have immediate access to the latest figures on this,
but those who tend to suffer winter depression this time of year don't want
to know this right now anyway !
Again I'll use the seed testing industry to illustrate : my eyes popped at
the earlier quote of 70k income for refinery workers. This to do a job
which in the long run is probably doing civilization more harm than good
(RHETORICAL STATEMENT-- I know this bit alone could start a whole new
string). While someone who works in a seed lab, which, overall, STABILIZES
THE FOOD SUPPLY, can dream of making half that much. If, that is, this lab
worker has enough college education, years of experience, and enough
accreditation level. And it's REAL accrediation, not "just a piece of
paper."
No, I would never talk anyone out of learning to grow as much of their own
food as possible !