Thread: UK farm profitability to jun 2002
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Old 26-04-2003, 12:27 PM
David G. Bell
 
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Default UK farm profitability to jun 2002
On Thursday, in article

"Torsten Brinch" wrote:

On Thu, 19 Dec 2002 18:28:40 +0000 (GMT),
("David G. Bell") wrote:

On Thursday, in article

"Torsten Brinch" wrote:

I agree. It would be implied in the concept efficient farming that it
is competitive, that is, it is something that beats less efficient
farming; that it is the nature of the game. I've heard the viewpoint,
why should a man not be allowed to use land for efficient farming.
Indeed, and why should that need a subsidy.

One might argue that the valid reasons for a subsidy should be centred
on the greater good of the community. snip examples

Right, society should be better off with the subsidy, than it would be
without it. Couple that principle with the principle, that society is
better off with efficient farming, and you effortlessly get that
society would be better off not subsidising it, leaving the support
of farm production to the market.

We then have the question of whether the subsidies are excessive, and
the cost is far more than the benefit. But this is not in itself an
argument against all subsidy.

One can't argue against all subsidy, it is inherent that each and
every specific case of subsidy might arguably have demonstrable
benefits to society. It is important to realise, however, that
it is no longer considered beneficial to society to subsidise farm
production.

Why?

Saying "free market" is not an explanation.

("Assume a spherical free market of unit radius and uniform density.")


--
David G. Bell -- SF Fan, Filker, and Punslinger.

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