Warning: Food Supply and Affordability are Seriously Threatened

I live in canada. Food prices haven't changed here.

This is a simple case of supply and demand, folks.

The Government is giving massive farm subsidies to farms that grow corn for processing into both ethanol fuel and high fructose corn syrup for junk food. This is why junk food is so cheap, the ingredients are heavily subsidized.

In order to give that land over to the corn crop (and by the way, corn grown for these purposes is NOT edible as raw corn), the Government has basically paid farmers to give over arable land used for the food supply for making fuel and junk food.

Therefore, less arable land for fresh vegetables means less vegetables in the stores, meaning that food prices will increase. Simple economics 101, supply and demand. Less supply, higher demand = higher prices.

Now, if the government were to subsidize farmers growing vegetables instead of farmers growing non edible crops, then vegetables would be cheaper, junk food would be more expensive, and people's health would be better as they would move from eating junk food to eating proper food as it would then be cheaper, therefore healthcare costs would also drop.

Does it still make sense for the Government to be subsidizing farmers for growing non edible crops? No, and it never did. Call your Congressman / Senator and demand action.

Originally posted by MidnightTide
reply to post by Throwback

 

reply to post by Sly1one

 

In all honestly, the masses do not come to this site and will not listen when you tell them what is going on. I used to talk about it, but all I got were "This fool is crazy" look.


The true panic will set in when the prices of food / gas start to rise and people living from paycheck to paycheck will no longer be able to afford their KFC and McDonalds.

Not trying to fear monger, or to start a panic.


I am just trying to get people to see what is happening, and hopefully prepare (for something I hope doesn't happen)

edit on 19-2-2011 by MidnightTide because: (no reason given)

edit on 19-2-2011 by MidnightTide because: (no reason given)

Oh I wasn't implying you were fear-mongering, I was just saying that when people RUSH out in a panic it will just drive demand up and prices up more and more out of reach, then...the looting...imagine black Friday mixed with THIS IS SPARTA!!!


I think its too late to just NOW start preparing, too far behind in the game. Usually when its noticeable its too late, and when its undeniable its way too late...

...ok...dammit now I'm starting to fear-monger...hippocracy is a sneaky B****

kudos for trying to help some out though!

reply to post by MidnightTide


They might be paying attention now since the news is reporting about fears of a shortage or rising food prices. Beck is talking about it too, so you know how that is. There's really nothing you can do about it, though. Unless you have a lot of money saved up you can't buy enough food to last. I'd get tired of eating canned foods, rice, and oats anyway. I'm just gonna ride the wave...

Originally posted by SeaWind

Originally posted by hypervalentiodine
Here in Australia we've been having price cuts. Milk is so deliciously cheap now!

How are things in Australia now? Last I checked NE Australia was hit with relentless flooding and then a super cyclone. That area supplies 25% of the national Australian economy. And there were wildfires in another part of Australia, plus locusts! Just an almost incredible stream of disasters in a short span of time!

Here's to a quick recovery!

SeaWind

North QLD is faring okay as they weren't hit by Yasi as bad as they thought originally. I live in Brisbane myself, but everything is pretty much back to normal. River is still pretty gross and a lot of houses are still very much out of action, but for the most part we're alright. You have to remember we just came out of a 10 year drought as well, so natural disasters are something our farming community has become somewhat used to.

All in all, it's just another summer I guess. Bit worse than normal, but floods and bushfires are generally just part of the package.

reply to post by MidnightTide


Both sites are trying to sell something...crap....

It interesting to say that this has been a topic that has been talk about. I believe there is even a investment firm that discuss this scenario due to the devaluation of the dollar. While other countries are teaming up to get rid of the dollar as a global reserve, we are being impacted by its conception. Right now we see prices of clothing items hiking up, I'm not suprise if others will follow.

My advice, start buying some seeds, and start planting from your back yard. Also, stock up on rice and canned food. The more you prepare the better off you are in this crazy times.

As the price of fuel goes up naturally the food prices become more expensive. remember when ICE caused shortages a few years back to pull a monopoly on the fuel? that was a test, just like the test the government pulled a test on Catrina. this is all leading up to the global takeover. this should be appearant by now to everyone whats coming next.

better move to where you can grow food and conserve fuel. otherwise you're going to become another faceless victim

Originally posted by chrismarco
reply to post by MidnightTide

 

Both sites are trying to sell something...crap....

LOL - most sites do have ads, or even try to get you to pay up and subscribe (or heck, have an agenda)

I do recommend to take anything you read on the net with a grain of salt, but the numbers really don't lie. Just giving a heads up to prep.

reply to post by MidnightTide


******i don't know what you guys do in other countries ,,, but here in USA
******we eat SO MUCH,, we have to throw the leftovers away...

******and yes,, here, food DOES, grow on trees..

*****streets are paved with gold-foiled chocolates
****** and i keep a 50 pound sack of peanuts
*******just to give them to the birds..*********


ok in reality again.. sorry

food will be the root of control over most of us in America...

hungery mom's will do ANYTHING to feed children....

i feel it coming.... im prepared,,,, for just about anything,,,,, cow, chickens, farm-land,,,,, seeds...

and bulk sacks for staples i cant grow.... coffee sugar salt wheat.

and enough balls and ammo to keep it .....

but still enough to share with neighbors/ trade for barter...

as long as i don't need to move...........

Originally posted by MidnightTide
I posted this because I DO feel we are entering time where food shortages will cause some massive strife in the global community (and already has) including North America / Europe.

Due to the weather in recent years, food producing nations have experienced massive crop failures.


You see hints of what is to come in some mass media news articles, but they are hiding the fact that this could be very serious.

I read a few articles recently that were talking about the crop damage in the southern states and mexico, and last year was the drought and wildfires that wiped out much of Russia's wheat crops. I've noticed food prices going up as I only shop once or twice a month. I'm already keeping an eye on this

I know I was paying $1.99 for a large jar of Miracle Whip this time last year. Now?? $3.79! A special, on a loaf of bread, use to be 99 cents. Now?? $1.99 Eggs were $1.69 and now large dozen goes for $2.49. There are many more items that have gone up in price just as much and it appears to keep rising every couple of weeks - when I go back to the store.

I am not trying to fearmonger. However, I believe, as time goes by and things filter thru the system, we - in the US - will start experiencing extreme prices for our food. I do not know about most of you, but our income is very limited as it is and I am really hating to see what the end of the summer looks like everywhere in the US. But, I fear, it will keep getting worse - as all things filter through. This is just the beginning.....

We have not started to get hit super bad, here in Lubbock, but I believe it is coming. So much so that Mom & I have discussed moving to a smaller community. Pay lower rent and, maybe, have food sources locally. Been we have been thinking....

For those that want to say it is not that bad....all I can say is YET. As gas continues to rise, so will food, clothing, etc. As it all trickles through the system.

Corn was $3.65 a bushel give or take last fall during harvest. 2 weeks ago I was at the elevator buying feed and noticed the price was up to $6.75 a bushel. Since we process all our own meats/vegetables/fruits. Fruits being anything wild to home grown or someone else didn't want to pick and gave me access. We go shopping for the staples (flour,rice,sugar etc) about every 3 months. I am sure people who shop on a weekly bais' don't notice it as much. We however notice the sky rocketing prices. Every 3 months it gets that much worse. I have resorted to over stocking when the staples come on sale. I live in a farm community and yes we have seen everything sky rocketing. Meat, produce, and staples. We have for years processed our own meat, grown our own garden, and planted all types of fruits, from strawberries, grapes, apples, cherries, peaches, and blackberries to name a few. I have chokecherries, elderberries, plums, pears and apricots scouted out although if things get bad I am sure others will try to beat me to them. IMO, I think things are going to drop out the bottom and we are headed for disaster. Stock up now before you are caught with your pants down. If I am wrong I will be the crazy person with lots of food. If it does happen I will be my kids hero with lots of food. Win win situation for me because either way I will have lots of food.

If everyone finds themselves in dire straits at the same time instead of only a percentage of the population then solutions, what next, would apply to us all. In other words if a sudden food calamity affects every house hold in the cities then none may have to be concerned about paying any housing related bills anymore. This would be something at least. If only a percentage were involved then the financial institutions would still have sway and many would suffer extra burdens. If the people of those institutions also had the same trouble they'd be inclined to worry about their own first. I mean if there is no way to lean on anyone about normal money matters then they no longer will be so damned important.

This is the relative advantage of everyone finding themselves in "the same boat" so to speak. If all other normal concerns are lifted then providing food, while difficult, would be less traumatic because at least the question of "home" would not be an issue. Hungry kids that still have their homes are better off than hungry kids with nothing.

Anyone who has serious concerns should study up on the Mormons who always have one year of food storage just in case of ???? They have always done this. Their supply houses are open to the public. This does not answer all concerns but it is something that can be done in a matter of days by those who really are trying to protect their families.

My wife and I are not Mormon but we keep a year's supply of Montana Red Wheat grain, a hand crank mill and all the ingredients for making bread. We also have a solar oven in which to bake the bread. Having that basic food necessity we add various other things as we go along. At least we can make bread. Everyone can easily do this same thing. Saving some water might be good too but we have our own well so that part is not too big a problem. I'd just rig a stationary bicycle to a pump if the electricity were off for a long period and get some fatty to pedal up a few gallons at a time in exchange for bread.

Where there is a will there is always a way.

With many of you I agree and with some of you I don't. Let me explain my vagueness...
We as Americans ARE and have been in a food crisis for many years. We are leading the world in obesity!! Why? Because we are a culture built on fast food and junk food. Especially those of my generation and younger.
Many of us are more than content buying processed foods and meats packed full of steroids. This is unhealthy for us and our children. Food is in great demand and always has been! It is unfortunate that many are unaware of the rising costs of living.
Me and my family for generations now have lived primarily off the land and while it might not be easy doing so living in a city it is still possible to a degree. I grew up on a farm and have moved around to many different places along the U.S.'s east coast. I have shared my knowledge with many of the people I have met. I have helped many of my friends start 'apartment gardens' where they grow vegetables in potters like house plants.
I have noticed the dramatic price increase in produce and household staples such as coffee and sugar like many have already stated but not in meats because I do not eat meats from the store. I have begun slowly stocking up on rice and other 'not so perishable' items.
It also goes without saying though that produce is also laced with many chemicals and pesticides and insecticides. Most of which are also covered in wax to help them 'keep' longer and looker prettier on their grocers shelves!!
I feel I should let everyone know however that canned foods can and do go bad after awhile. Especially green vegetables that have been canned. And of course any can that has been dented is at risk for many types of bacteria.
In many areas farmers are finding it difficult to afford to keep growing on their own so many of them are now offering to raise hogs, cattle and chickens for those that live in the city and cannot. They do this for a minimal fee which with many can be even a portion of the livestock after it has been slaughtered or a percentage of the crops after harvest.
There are also many who are choosing to do farm co-ops. This is where many people own and work a farm together. Usually with the help of someone who is knowledgeable on the workings of a farm, be it gardening or the raising of livestock.
Remember.. Those who control the food supply control the masses!!
And this my friends.. Is how the cookie will always crumble!

You might find this recent post interesting:


Global food shortage or another scam to make money? -ATS

Reminds me how the last oil price spike back in 2008 was largely due to manipulation of crude futures contracts.

Bumping this, people thought I was full of it when I originally posted this thread.

This is the incentive I need to grow my own garden. It is also incentive for me to cut back on my meat consumption or to stop eating meat entirely. What will happen? I will probably get healthier and feel better.

Originally posted by texasgirl
This is the incentive I need to grow my own garden. It is also incentive for me to cut back on my meat consumption or to stop eating meat entirely. What will happen? I will probably get healthier and feel better.

It should serve as an incentive to get out and hunt your own meat supply like some of us have been doing for quite awhile now. Little in this world is healthier than a freezer full of wild venison, game birds, elk, and moose.

That is not feasible in the US with the present population. If everyone relied on game for food, it would be completely hunted to extinction in months.