by MrBean » Tue 25 Nov 2008, 07:12:16
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Sounds like a problem. Any more detailed info on no crops planted?
In the US, since Spring Planting Season is still a good 4-6 months away depending on location, the failure of the credit markets hasn't yet hit. The question would be, if the dollar does tank in say February, would we be able to put in place by say April some alternate currency/mandate that farmers plant crops, with say a Goobermint "bailout".
In other words, Dollar tanks in Feb, in April Goobermint issues farmers (or rather industrial farms) scrip that allows them to buy fuel out of say the SPR to get the seeds into the ground. Meanwhile negotiating with the Saudis to refill the SPR if they expect to get any food from us. In the words of the Terminator, "COME WITH ME IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!"
If the dollar tanks anytime before planting season, something like this scenario has to happen, or we would indeed starve in the following year. I do not think in the near term TPTB would let the industrial farm apparatus fail, anymore than they would let the banks fail. That does NOT help the subsistence farmer of course. SFs and their products would not get the subsidies, and they would be forced off their land, unless they have enough income otherwise to meet the taxes on them. That is actually how it is NOW.
Its all about consolidation of resources and power. Until the system as a whole breaks down, the individual will always be pushed down by big capital. Its unclear right now precisely how this breakdown will happen, and in what time frame. However, it still remains true that it is a better position to be in as a subsistence farmer than to live in a big city as this plays itself out.
Still better to have Moose traipsing through your backyard though, IMHO.

Reverse Engineer
I'm not allowed to eat moose/elk. A totem tabu...