Stand with Krsna

[Guest guest]

[Text 3037866 from COM]

 

Hare Krsna dasi wrote:

 

But there is one thing to mention, and that is that just because it is

claimed that some product is worth $x per unit, does not mean that you will

receive $x per unit for that product. That was one of the great lessons

that

I learned at Gita-nagari.

 

One year, there was a drought, and throughout Juniata county the squash crop

was failing. Well, we had farmed organically, and our squash made it

through

the drought in great shape. We had 600 pounds of squash. Even at $.50 per

pound that would have been $300 worth. However, I called all over the state

to see what we could sell. Practically no one would buy it, either because

we did not have 2000 pounds or we did not have liability insurance, etc.

etc. We sold a little bit to some organic restaurants. And some of it we

were able to use for ourselves.

 

Most of it simply rotted. $300 worth of squash does not necessarily mean

you

can actually get $300 for it.

 

I had the same experience with Jerusalem artichokes (sunflower roots). We

had lots of beautiful Jerusalem artichokes. They were organic, big, and

worm-free. I was told they were worth $1 per pound. Again, we called all

over the state, and eventually found one organic restaurant that would buy

10

pounds. (Luckily the rest did not rot, because we simply left them in the

ground to grow again next year.)

 

We had similar experiences with caulilowers. It seems trying to compete with

the agribusiness industry is just not possible for small farmers what to

speak of organic ox-powered producers, unless you hock the prices right up-

but then you need the market for high-priced ethical produce. It can be a

formula for failure, as our experience shows (only externally, of course, as

Krsna appreciates our endeavour, still it can be discouraging...)

 

Best thing is if devotees cut down the endeavour (save time for chanting

etc.) and grow their own needs, and as much as possible show how cow

protection is simple and stress-free life.

 

All that labour so we can get some cash to spend on the gas bill, when it

doesn't need to exist- there is cow dung gas or just plain cow dung, both

free if you are prepared to collect it.

Or to run a car, why do you need to run a car when you can grow everything

locally?

 

To be on this conference might be a bit tough though. I wonder if we can

design a bullock-powered internet computer? Or maybe ride a horse once a

week to the nearest one?

 

ys, niscala

 

____

Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com