Thank you, barrkel. I have been thinking hard at your response, and I don't think I can offer a complete comment on it. I think these market mechanisms solve pa

Thank you, barrkel. I have been thinking hard at your response, and I don't think I can offer a complete comment on it. I think these market mechanisms solve part of the problem, and at least do better than the current policies of USDA. However, your proposal is far from perfect and has it's own set of problems. For one, your average granny on social security is unlikely to buy any futures; and the people who does is likely to come and profiteer on her. Still, that is better than starving to death. I have read Pollan's Omnivore Dilemma, and found his description of New Deal agriculture policies very interesting. I encourage you to have a look and compare those with the ones in effect today.