tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675753962224570087.post3785263932189310413..comments2023-09-22T12:43:17.537-05:00Comments on Sustainable Glasgow: What We Learned Over the SummerBilly Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10388845919168009946noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675753962224570087.post-76262600421867848372009-09-01T12:21:29.138-05:002009-09-01T12:21:29.138-05:00We also learned that most of the vendors that came...We also learned that most of the vendors that came to Bounty of the Barrens Market are eager to expand their operations and provide more local food, but they are stymied by the lack of available labor to support their expansion plans. This really came as a shock to all of us! When we are reading a steady stream of bad news about local employment during the week but then hearing local farmers lament the unavailability of labor to allow them to grow, well, we scratch our heads. <br />________________________________<br />There is plenty of labor. <br /><br />However, there is no labor (except illegal immigrants) that will work for minimum wage that the farmer needs to pay in order to make a profit.<br /><br />Also, there is a lack of experienced labor (except for illegal immigrants) to draw from. 60 years ago 50% of our nation was agricultural - half of our , or at least grow food in their gardens. Today that number is less than 5%. 95% of the kids in our nation have no concept were produce and meat derive.<br /><br />There is plenty of labor - just very little the farmer can draw from. This will change in the next generation - but only if the trend for organic foods and self-sustainance continues. The basis for our economy must change from a consumer driven society to something akin to the pre-WWII if we are going to depend on American farmers.staborhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12289518143332042929noreply@blogger.com