That's pretty mind boggling, isn't it? "A chart we found on Reddit.com today shows that most products we buy are controlled by just a few companies. It's called "The Illusion of Choice."
Ever wonder why you can't get a Coke at Taco Bell? It's because Yum! Brands was created as a spin-off of Pepsi--and has a lifetime contract with the soda-maker.
Unilever produces everything from Dove soap to Klondike bars. Nestle has a big stake in L'Oreal, which features everything from cosmetics to Diesel designer jeans.
Despite a wide array of brands to choose from, it all comes back to the big guys.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/these-10-corporations-control-almost-everything-you-buy-2012-4#ixzz2jcwvZNej"How many families control the business world? I don't think it is very many at all. Farming is in the hands of the fewest amount of people in the U.S. than ever in history. This will have great impact on "The Next Farm Crisis," or will it at all?
What do you think?
Ed
In my opinion... The decreasing number of farmers controlling increasing amounts of land is the worst thing that can happen. Owning the land on which you live and work is the key to responsible government. When I look around me I see the small to medium sized farmers as the innovators. Most of the conservation farming in our neighborhood was researched and accomplished by smaller individual farmers who will never be featured in Farm Journal. They most likely wouldn't talk to a reporter from Farm Journal. (for example, the guy North of me who keeps inventing one-pass tillage machines and won't meet anyone from NAT).
ReplyDeleteSecondly, lots of individual farmers gives you more bodies for political clout, rather than more money for political clout. Small to medium sized farms, say 1-2000 acres, with more farms in the 500 acre range, (to pull a number at random based on local farming) provides more money for local school, smaller local businesses, and more people in the local co-op, grange, other farm organizations.
Third, kids learn how things work when they live on a farm. Especially a small farm where everything is not new.
I think many of the problems coming up from over regulation on safety and environmental concerns are the result of not enough small farmers to protest.
And finally, huge brand new tractor and combines clogging the roads give folks the idea that Farmers and now making a lot of money... The general public does not want to see a few people owning a lot of open space and making a lot of money. Giant combines and Giant tractors and Giant Semi-trucks and Giant disks mean someone is playing with a lot of money.
I know what you are saying. It took me 54 years to own a own a reasonable piece of land. I feel I can take care of it better than anyone else can because I really appreciate the work it took to get me here.
ReplyDeleteRegulation is becoming a larger problem, no doubt. I am all for the smaller farmer and have advocated that all my life. Bigger is not better in my mind.
Ed