Food Rationing Confronts Breadbasket of the World
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http://www2.nysun.com/article/74994
Type of Content: Article Many parts of America, long considered the breadbasket of the world, are now confronting a once unthinkable phenomenon: food rationing. Major retailers in New York, in areas of New England, and on the West Coast are limiting purchases of flour, rice, and cooking oil as demand outstrips supply. There are also anecdotal reports that some consumers are hoarding grain stocks. At a Costco Warehouse in Mountain View, Calif., yesterday, shoppers grew frustrated and occasionally uttered expletives as they searched in vain for the large sacks of rice they usually buy. Read »
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I don't think this is anything more than a response to market conditions. Costco and Sam's Club are in business to sell products. They won't restrict sales unless there is a shortage.
My background is in food distribution. Occasionally the market for particular commodities tightens and supply is restricted. Periodically I have had to "ration" particular commodities to ensure all my customers were able to receive some product.
From the USDA Supply And Demand Report - US and International Rice (May 2007):
"Ending stocks are expected to decline for the seventh consecutive year to 72 million tons, 3.7 million below 2006/07, and the lowest since 1983/84. The global stocks-to-use ratio is projected at 16.9 percent, down from 18.1 percent in 2006/07, and the lowest since 1976/77."
http://oryza.com/North-America/Supply-Demand/supply-demand-may-report.html
These figures indicate that a steady, long term increase in demand (probably due to increased population and buying power in Asia) is impinging on supply. Price increases have induced many countries to restrict exports, further tightening the market. Rice prices have increased in recent months by 40-60%.
As for inciting panic, there is not likely an overt agenda behind reports like these. However, shortages can be used to stir up sentiments useful to particular political ends.
I agree with Francisco. This sounds like yet another agenda of the media. They were once again successful at inflicting fear upon the people. Historically has fear been the control tactic for most tyranny?
Inflation, Inflation, Inflation sucks. But in reality we will be facing that as OUR biggest problem in the coming years. Hopefully many will realize the shame upon us. The Donald said something similiar in regards to location, yet this time, this effort will require much more effort and savy than the past. Euro Pac and Peter Schiff have a good strategy. But as for me, give me Liberty or give me death!!! Like Henry I am pissed and not gonna take it anymore!
Francisco, that's a great pic. This really has me wondering as to why major retailers are rationing their supplies unless their contracts with their suppliers have been recently renegoitated. Well, let's just hope that Congress doesn't try to solve this problem too.
I would think that it is a forward thinking test-run on the part of the Bentonville gang.
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Slowly make rationing seem normal. Incrementalism.
Damn.
F___. Guess I should go water my crops. Should make for a good year at the Farmer's Market, too bad everyone pays in fiat currency; anybody want to trade some petrol for a watermelon? Tomatoes?
I blog about decentralization of agriculture and how we can circumvent interventionism and its destruction of our food security, check it out if you're so inclined.
I saw Sam's Club is only allowing 80 lbs of rice sold per member per month.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-04-23-sams-club-rice-...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080423/ap_on_bi_ge/wal_mart_rice;_ylt=AmZFY...