In fact, small farms are the most productive on earth. A four-acre farm in the United States nets, on average, $1,400 per acre; a 1,364-acre farm nets $39 an acre. Big farms have long compensated for the disequilibrium with sheer quantity. But their economies of scale come from mass distribution, and with diesel fuel costing more than $4 per gallon in many locations, it’s no longer efficient to transport food 1,500 miles from where it’s grown.
The only thing that bothers me about the small farm/large farm comparison is the ability of the farmer to make a living. On the 1,300 acre example, the farmer is bringing in around $53,000 per year. On the 4 acre example, it’s about $5,600 per year. If farming is a part-time gig on the 4 acre plot, that’s a nice side income stream. But, it’s clear that the small farmer needs to be working at a 10x scale in order to be able to hit viability from an economic stand point. No doubt as energy prices increase, the local farmer will benefit. But how much?
Shifting subjects, the dolts in Washington still don’t get it – energy independence === national security. Do you really think the US is immune from food riots? Just wait, as more people drop below the poverty line and their ability to procure food is further crippled, people are going to expect solutions. Certainly this excellent article points out the benefits of smaller, local, fresh ingredients and that has to be part of the solution. But defining a safe, sane, and sustainable energy policy is another part of the solution.
Mr. McCain, Mr. Obama, what do you propose? We’re listening….
HT: Bob
