Think Globally, Act Globally
This letter is written by my (far-)better half:
......
December 11, 2008
Editor, The New York Times
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
To the Editor:
Nicholas Kristof rightly bemoans the current, corrupt system of agricultural protection and subsidies ("Obama's 'Secretary of Food'," Dec. 11). He is wrong though when he suggests that we need government to promote local farms and foods.
My family, for example, has ready access to high-quality local foods. We purchased shares in a farm cooperative located in western Virginia and fresh food was delivered to our door. From early May to late October I visit our local farmers' market, along with hundreds of others, for everything from apples to zinnias. Finally, several Whole Foods and other grocery retailers provide locally grown fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat. This cornucopia of products is available to consumers in northern Virginia not because of government efforts; it's there because of market incentives - people like me want, and will pay for, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
So forget about a renamed or revamped Department of Food! What we need is freedom for creative food entrepreneurs to do what they are already doing: improving the quality of the US food supply.
Sincerely,
Karol Boudreaux
Senior Research Fellow
Mercatus Center at George Mason University
......
December 11, 2008
Editor, The New York Times
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
To the Editor:
Nicholas Kristof rightly bemoans the current, corrupt system of agricultural protection and subsidies ("Obama's 'Secretary of Food'," Dec. 11). He is wrong though when he suggests that we need government to promote local farms and foods.
My family, for example, has ready access to high-quality local foods. We purchased shares in a farm cooperative located in western Virginia and fresh food was delivered to our door. From early May to late October I visit our local farmers' market, along with hundreds of others, for everything from apples to zinnias. Finally, several Whole Foods and other grocery retailers provide locally grown fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat. This cornucopia of products is available to consumers in northern Virginia not because of government efforts; it's there because of market incentives - people like me want, and will pay for, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
So forget about a renamed or revamped Department of Food! What we need is freedom for creative food entrepreneurs to do what they are already doing: improving the quality of the US food supply.
Sincerely,
Karol Boudreaux
Senior Research Fellow
Mercatus Center at George Mason University
Posted by Don Boudreaux on
Sunday May 10, 2009 at 2:15pm