Walmart makes women, poor people and country bumpkins fat

[^_^ 5,021]

We don't have to eliminate large crops entirely, but places like Haiti, which happens to be one of the poorest countries, actually has fertile soil, but they don't grow most of their own food. Instead they import most of their food.

So you'd let Haiti grow their own food. That's nice of you. Would you stand in the way of them importing what they can not produce? Would you stand in the way of them exporting what they produce a lot of? Would you let countries like Saudi Arabia import most of what they eat and let countries like Australia and the U.S. mass produce enough to export to them?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

And, what if the they don't have a year around climate to sustain agriculture, like say, Salinas, California? Most of the produce you are getting this time of year comes from South America.

There are innovative ways to grow crops in colder climates, like greenhouses, which are used extensively in Western Europe.

[^_^ 5,021]

There are innovative ways to grow crops in colder climates, like greenhouses, which are used extensively in Western Europe.

Hmmmm.

Being able to grow large crops, store them and transport them are also innovations. But those innovations are bad while the greenhouse innovation is good.

Is there any rhyme or reason to your madness?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

So you'd let Haiti grow their own food. That's nice of you. Would you stand in the way of them importing what they can not produce? Would you stand in the way of them exporting what they produce a lot of? Would you let countries like Saudi Arabia import most of what they eat and let countries like Australia and the U.S. mass produce enough to export to them?

Moving towards local, sustainable agriculture would help stabilize food sources, making countries like Haiti less vulnerable to whims of the market where jumps in costs can wreak havoc on them. That doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't import food. It just means they are more self reliant. As far as climate limitations of growing food, the Hopi of Northern Arizona have survived as farmers on mesas for over a thousand years without irrigation.

Hmmmm.

Being able to grow large crops, store them and transport them are also innovations. But those innovations are bad while the greenhouse innovation is good.

Is there any rhyme or reason to your madness?

[^_^ 5,021]

Moving towards local, sustainable agriculture would help stabilize food sources, making countries like Haiti less vulnerable to whims of the market where jumps in costs can wreak havoc on them. That doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't import food.

As long as you understand that for them to import food, someone somewhere will need to manufacture in excess in a cost effective manner... and that means more of what you hate.

As far as climate limitations of growing food, the Hopi of Northern Arizona have survived as farmers on mesas for over a thousand years without irrigation.

You're comparing the agricultural practices of a freakin' tribe to modern nations with entire economic structures in the middle east?

Like I said - madness!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

As far as climate limitations of growing food, the Hopi of Northern Arizona have survived as farmers on mesas for over a thousand years without irrigation.

They were living on a bare subsistence level. Ever seen what native corn really looks like?

http://www.naihrv.org/images/corn.bmp

ETA: Before Monsanto?

Edited January 20, 2011 by Some Old Guy

[^_^ 5,021]

They were living on a bare subsistence level.

That's exactly what the racists have in mind for the people who inhabit less fertile parts of the world. If they're barely alive, they can't compete with American unions. Game. Set. Match.

[Jenn! 918]

They were living on a bare subsistence level. Ever seen what native corn really looks like?

http://www.naihrv.org/images/corn.bmp

They must have had really tiny cob holders.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

As long as you understand that for them to import food, someone somewhere will need to manufacture in excess in a cost effective manner... and that means more of what you hate.

Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. A variety of philosophies, policies and practices have contributed to these goals. People in many different capacities, from farmers to consumers, have shared this vision and contributed to it. Despite the diversity of people and perspectives, the following themes commonly weave through definitions of sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of laborers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety both in the present and the future. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base for the long term.

A systems perspective is essential to understanding sustainability. The system is envisioned in its broadest sense, from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally. An emphasis on the system allows a larger and more thorough view of the consequences of farming practices on both human communities and the environment. A systems approach gives us the tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment.

A systems approach also implies interdisciplinary efforts in research and education. This requires not only the input of researchers from various disciplines, but also farmers, farmworkers, consumers, policymakers and others.

Making the transition to sustainable agriculture is a process. For farmers, the transition to sustainable agriculture normally requires a series of small, realistic steps. Family economics and personal goals influence how fast or how far participants can go in the transition. It is important to realize that each small decision can make a difference and contribute to advancing the entire system further on the "sustainable agriculture continuum." The key to moving forward is the will to take the next step.

Finally, it is important to point out that reaching toward the goal of sustainable agriculture is the responsibility of all participants in the system, including farmers, laborers, policymakers, researchers, retailers, and consumers. Each group has its own part to play, its own unique contribution to make to strengthen the sustainable agriculture community.

http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm

[^_^ 5,021]

Ooh, a copy and paste which doesn't actually address what he pretends he's responding to! Brilliant!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Ooh, a copy and paste which doesn't actually address what he pretends he's responding to! Brilliant!

You sure are ornery today. I think you miss Paul.

[^_^ 5,021]

You sure are ornery today. I think you miss Paul.

What happened to him?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

What happened to him?

I was wondering the same. Maybe the FBI finally nabbed him?

[^_^ 5,021]

I was wondering the same. Maybe the FBI finally nabbed him?

Either that or he's visiting his girl in Canada and they're both standing outside Eaton Center protesting all the Asians.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Either that or he's visiting his girl in Canada and they're both standing outside Eaton Center protesting all the Asians.