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> In fact, alfalfa has become an instrument for exporting subsidized water. efficient, too. why would anyone want to ship the supplies half way around the wor
by catchnear4321 3y ago
> In fact, alfalfa has become an instrument for exporting subsidized water.
efficient, too. why would anyone want to ship the supplies half way around the world when you can just ship the product? especially when the supplies are sold to you at a discount compared to the locals?
- fnordpiglet 3y agoI do wonder how much or that discount is due to it being non potable water with no treatment or complex distribution network. Not saying it’s a good idea but comparing canal water for irrigation with fluorinated chlorinated potable water piped directly to your house doesn’t seem reasonable.
- ethbr1 3y agoYou can turn canal water into potable water at some cost. It's much more difficult to turn no water into potable water.
- fnordpiglet 3y agoNo debate there. It’s a stupid waste regardless. But that’s not my point. However it’s hard to see unlike units and be ok with that. Maybe my physics teachers were too mean to me, or my work in quantitative fields has twisted me, but reading otherwise well reasoned stuff that makes unfair comparisons hurts the entire line of reasoning in my mind. So my question still stands out there - but I would note whatever savings over municipal water they have or don’t have, that doesn’t make it a good idea. Just because you pay a fair price to destroy something of incalculable value doesn’t mean the price reflects the costs.
- seemaze 3y agoIt's worse than what you propose. In Arizona at least, the existing water rights allow agriculture to pump fresh, clean, ancient ground water as a less expensive alternative to surface water transported via canal. Because agriculture won't use it, the canal water has to be made potable and distributed in the municipal water supply.
- fnordpiglet 3y agoYeah that’s definitely worse. Although I would note the California case still makes me wonder, as it’s not apples to apples, even if it’s a stupid waste regardless of the actual metric.
- lokar 3y agoIn this case alfalfa is the supply, the product is milk and dairy products
- catchnear4321 3y agoin this case alfalfa is both product and supply, and those producing alfalfa in conus are avoiding having to transport water. to grow alfalfa. to feed animals.
- lokar 3y agoI would consider the end product or service sold at retail
- kylebenzle 3y agoI believe catchnear4321 is clearly correct.
- catchnear4321 3y agowho limited the conversation to end product?
- hot_gril 3y agoShip the product (alfalfa) instead of the supply (water), is the point of the comment. You need water to grow alfalfa, but not much water is contained inside it.