POLS 196 Lecture Notes - Lecture 35: Agroecology, Soil Fertility, Consumer Choice
23 Apr 2020
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Document Summary
Mann-dickenson thesis: the idea that agriculture has specific qualities that tend to produce unique production and market outcomes that humans cannot directly alter: these processes are distinct and different from other industrial processes. Industrialist response to a declining market prices: invest in product quality, advertise, invest in labor productivity, cut labor costs, offshore production (1) results: higher quality and value, higher output, increased sales, reduced profit, increased profit, cut labor costs. Agriculture response to declining market prices: invest in production technology, expand land, intensify production, increase self-exploitation (1) results: more produced and an oversupply. Consumer choice as a solution to food systems problems: strengths and benefits: Real, tangible benefits to ecology, food quality and farming communities. Creates a culture of concern and change which can deepen structural shifts. Localizes food systems politics which can enhance transparency and the power of movements. Reveals the limitations of individual action (1) collective politics of change is needed: weaknesses and limitations:
