#MBA Agribusiness

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MBA in Finance and Agribusiness

The MBA Agribusiness is a two-year postgraduate program in the monitoring of farming services. Subsequent to approving their 4 year university education and learning, any kind of person who desires to obtain an understanding of how the exceptional agribusiness is managed despite market affects is qualified to look for the program. We offer among the most effective MBA programs in Pune. Our B-School curriculum is developed to ensure that students can learn all of the course requirements via both academic and practical instruction. The abilities in business management and task monitoring that are educated in our Agribusiness programs are extremely valued by companies in both the public and also private sectors. We are just one of the most effective Agribusiness Management universities in Pune. Some of one of the most successful organizations worldwide hire our students. Trainees that register in the MBA in Financial Management course obtain thorough training on the many sides of finance, consisting of management, control, and also analysis of data collection, financial investment, and also administration. A two-year postgraduate degree in finance called an MBA furnishes trainees for a series of administration settings in the industry. The monitoring and control of a company's financial resources is a focus of numerous economic techniques. The qualification requirements for the MBA in Finance are comparable to those of various other MBA programmes. First-year MBA Finance training courses attend to basic subjects, whereas second-year training courses concentrate on specialized concerns. Most of B-Schools give admission to MBA in Finance students based on their entryway test outcomes. Our B-flagship College's MBA programme is currently considered as Pune's finest MBA programme. The topic is covered in a department university program at the Savitribai Phule Pune University in Pune. Employers in the personal and also public sectors extremely value the project monitoring and also business management skills that are consisted of in our MBA educational program. Some of our well- known employers are amongst the most effective business to take into account. One of the most prominent locations to research the MBA is Pune. Because of its standing as a prestigious scholastic facility, it is referred to as the "Oxford of the East." Pune MBA universities, which have established Pune as an academic center of national renown, deal expertise in a variety of related fields, including retail, health and wellness, monetary solutions, banking, consulting, manufacturing as well as various other related fields. Our B-School's flagship program, commonly considered Pune's premier MBA college, is its program. Through superb sector connections and also a cutting-edge curriculum, we are placing the development of effective leaders at the leading edge. Using a choice-based credit scores system, a postgraduate degree in administration can be earned in two years and 4 terms. To fit trainees with varying degrees of academic proficiency, the school uses a variety of specialties with a student-centered positioning, consisting of small and also significant specializations. This is what sets us apart as one of the very best colleges for MBA in Pune. On its campus, it arranges a wide range of after-school activities like conventions, symposiums, seminars, pupil competitors, guest speakers, worldwide programs, social occasions, and also connections with industry.

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Thrive in Today's Job Market with a Specialised MBA, Here's How and Why!

Those who think of an MBA often envision a general management programme with a focus on leadership, strategy, and finance. However, the business world today requires more than that generic base managerial potential. Instead, it is intended for a focused MBA programme designed particularly to help students thrive in those major industries or sectors in which it is oriented with confidence and related expertise. If you are in search of that extra edge for your career, then an industry-focused or sector-focused MBA is what you need.

Specialised areas of study, like International Business (IB), Agribusiness Management, and other similar ones are more popular today among the students interested in professional proficiency in fields with high demands on global knowledge and sectoral/industry understanding. Such programmes help students not only acquire basic management skills but also introduce them to the complexities of a particular industry and thus possess a competitive edge over competitors in the marketplace.

Why Specialised MBA Matters for Future Professionals

Today, with the increasing cross-border operations of businesses, International Business is becoming all the more relevant in the lives of people, and especially students interested in understanding the nuances of international markets, trade regulations, and cross-cultural management. The MBA in  International Business prepares you to become a business leader who can work alongside multinational corporations, expand businesses globally, or manage international trade.

An MBA in Agribusiness Management enables one to work in one of the most important sectors of any economy, that is agriculture. Agriculture has long been industrialised into far more than farming in areas like agribusiness, food processing, export, and sustainable practices among others. What an MBA in this field will do for you is give you the tool to manage all that-from supply chain management to ensuring food security. This means you are an invaluable asset to the industries that are always evolving as a response to shifting global demand, technology, and climate change.

The benefits for specialised MBAs are tremendous, too. 

MBA IB colleges in India are especially helpful because they equip you with a broad-based understanding of international finance, global supply chains, and the legal frameworks under which trade occurs between countries. It will enable you to function as a team leader in multinational environments, manage cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and drive global business strategies.

On the other hand, an MBA in Agribusiness Management will familiarise you with wide-ranging knowledge of agribusiness marketing, economics of rural development and its impact on policies towards agriculture. Its curriculum is designed to present skills for managing the business aspects of agriculture so that you are all geared to contribute to the private as well as public sectors.

What to Look for When Choosing an MBA College

Now that you know how an MBA plays a significant role in this phenomenon, what must you look for from an institution which offers an MBA? So, here are a few pointers to help you with that decision:-

1. MOUs and Industry Connections

Colleges that are heavily connected with the industry players are a treasure. MOUs with corporations and businesses allow students to seek internships, projects, and even jobs in some of the world's most competitive and lucrative firms. This is especially very important for the students of International Business and Agribusiness as exposure to the industry can have a substantive effect on their future careers.

2. Student and Faculty Exchange Programmes

A student exchange programme that is really strong is an indicator of the global reach of a college. In fact, it is one of the important aspects for students pursuing International Business, as it trains them on internationalist points of view.

Similarly, faculty exchange programmes welcome global experts into the classroom and enrich learning with fresh insights and innovative approaches.

3. Research Opportunities

Being a part of latest research can distinguish you from the rest in today's highly competitive world. Once you narrow down the list to a college, search for a school that promotes a research-intensive culture. This can be in the form of special research centres, faculty writings or student-level projects, and so on. These are highly essential factors that will make competence in the area that you have selected.

4. Established Legacy 

Legacy counts. Long-term institutions of learning often provide an established curriculum, experienced instructors and a reputation that is very attractive to recruitment. For example, SIIB has a 30-year legacy of an MBA-International Business programme means that the course has matured with the industrial trends of the world. Similarly, SIIB has two decades of experience in a college for Agribusiness that would provide better insights and network connections than a relatively young institution.

5. Top Rankings and Placement Records

Ranking is something that gives you a way of shortlisting the colleges. A well-ranked institution would mean quality education, excellent faculty members, and robust infrastructure. Higher placement rates are also of utmost importance as it would measure how well the college prepares the students for the job market.

6. Workshops, Guest Lectures, and Seminars

A vibrant MBA programme does not just focus on the books, but it reaches out to industry leaders and practitioners. Seek institutions that hold the most workshops, guest lectures, and seminars regularly. A real-life application of doing business and networking benefits their students in the professional world.

 7. Campus Life and Facilities

The campus life should be very active, with student clubs and committees coupled with numerous events. This facilitates leadership skills in students. It goes a long way in building long-lasting networks and a holistic education. 

8. Alumni Network

Among the best things a college can provide for an alumnus, there is one thing that stands out - a well-connected alumni network. Not only does it connect students with professionals in the industry, but it also opens up chances for mentorship, career advice, and employment opportunities. A well-connected alumni base proves to be a life-saver when moving on from a student to a working professional.

Why SIIB is a Preferred Choice for MBA

Choosing the right specialised MBA, the ticks for Symbiosis Institute of International Business definitely lie in it. SIIB has strong traditions of an MBA International Business programme that boasts of a 30-year legacy that has provided itself as the Best Symbiosis college for MBA in India. With three decades behind it, this institution can ensure that students take away a curriculum honed over decades, perfectly in tandem with global business demand.

SIIB also boasts an experience of 20 years with Agribusiness education. It is one of the most prominent institutions in India offering programme in Agribusiness. The curriculum offered at SIIB, keeping the business angle of agriculture in mind, equips students with all confidence and ability in dealing with the agri-business sector complexities.

Besides, it has all the characteristics a good B-school needs to possess: it takes MOUs with numerous industry leaders, has an adept research aptitude, ranks at the top, has an excellent placement record, and its campus life is fantastic. The student and faculty exchange programmes, the successful alumni network, and the state-of-the art campus provide all the gadgets that SIIB students need to succeed in their respective specialisations.

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Understanding MBA in Agribusiness Management

An MBA in Agribusiness Management is designed for individuals who want to take on leadership roles in the agricultural and allied industries. The curriculum typically includes subjects like agricultural finance, supply chain management, rural marketing and agri-technology. It aims to create professionals who not only understand the complexities of the agriculture sector but can also apply modern business strategies to improve productivity and profitability.

The demand for MBA graduates in agribusiness is growing as more businesses recognize the need for efficient management. From startups in the agri-tech space to large multinational corporations in food processing, there are numerous opportunities for MBA graduates. Companies are looking for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between agriculture and business, making an MBA in Agriculture Business Management highly valuable.

Benefits of Pursuing an MBA in Agribusiness Management

One of the key benefits of pursuing this degree is the wide range of career opportunities it opens up. Graduates can work in various sectors including agribusiness firms, food processing industries, agri-input companies, and government organizations. The blend of business acumen and agricultural knowledge makes these professionals highly sought after.

In addition to career opportunities, this degree also equips individuals with the skills needed to tackle some of the biggest challenges in agriculture today, such as food security, sustainable farming, and efficient supply chain management. With a focus on innovation and technology, MBA graduates in agribusiness are well-prepared to contribute to the future of agriculture in India and beyond.

Leading Institutes Offering MBA in Agribusiness Management

Several prestigious institutes in India offer MBA programs tailored to the agribusiness sector. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, and Xavier School of Management (XLRI) are some of the top names that provide comprehensive programs in this field. These institutes offer world-class education and exposure to the latest trends in agriculture and business management.

SIOM – A Specialised Approach

While many institutes offer specialized programs in agribusiness, it’s important to consider Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management (SIOM) for those looking to expand their expertise in operations within agriculture. SIOM focuses on creating leaders in operations and supply chain management, which plays a critical role in the agriculture sector. The skills gained through SIOM’s program can be effectively applied to the unique challenges of agribusiness, making it an excellent option for students interested in this field.

For those serious about careers in MBA in Agriculture Business Management or MBA in Agribusiness Management, SIOM offers a path that combines operations excellence with a focus on the agricultural sector’s needs.

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What are the recommended MBA agribusiness colleges in Pune with top placement guarantees?

Top MBA Agribusiness Colleges in Pune with Strong Placement Guarantees

Pune offers excellent opportunities for students pursuing an MBA in Agribusiness. Here are some of the top colleges that are well-regarded for their strong placement records: 1. Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) 2. MIT College of Management (MITCOM) 3. Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Management Studies (DYPIMS) These institutes not only offer top-notch education but also ensure strong placement support, making them ideal choices for students aiming to build a career in agribusiness. Also check Top MBA Colleges in Pune.

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IGNOU School of Agriculture: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) School of Agriculture is launching Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness Management) which aims to prepare competent business professionals to promote agribusiness and farmer’s economy.

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Top Engineering Colleges in Jaipur 2024

A Legacy of Excellence

Established in 2000, Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology (SMCET) is a testament to the unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The college is named after the visionaries Late Shri Brijlal Ji Khetan and Late Smt. Shantidevi Ji Khetan, who believed in the transformative power of education. Their dream was to create an institution that would nurture engineering and technology talent, and SMCET has diligently carried this vision forward.

Academic Programs

SMCET offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, preparing students to meet the evolving needs of the technological landscape while instilling critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These programs cater to a broad spectrum of interests and career aspirations. Key academic programs offered by SMCET include:

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech): SMCET provides B.Tech programs in various disciplines, including Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Information Technology.

Master of Technology (M.Tech): Postgraduate students can pursue M.Tech programs that provide advanced knowledge and expertise in specialized engineering fields.

Master of Business Administration (MBA): SMCET offers an MBA program for students interested in combining engineering knowledge with business acumen, producing leaders who can bridge the gap between technology and business.

Diploma in Engineering: The college provides diploma programs in engineering disciplines for students seeking practical and skill-oriented education.

Doctoral Programs: SMCET encourages research and innovation through its Ph.D. programs, fostering a culture of research and development in the engineering and technology fields.

Quality Faculty

The faculty at SMCET plays an integral role in nurturing the potential of young minds and ensuring academic excellence. Comprising experienced professors, industry experts, and scholars, the teaching staff is dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and fosters a passion for innovation. The faculty’s active engagement in research and industry collaborations contributes to the college’s academic vibrancy.

A Holistic Approach to Education

SMCET believes in holistic education, recognizing that an engineer’s development involves more than just academic prowess. The college places significant emphasis on character-building, ethics, and soft skills. Through co-curricular activities, technical events, and participation in professional clubs and societies, students have the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that are crucial in the modern engineering world.

Impact on the Industry

Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology has had a significant impact on the industry and engineering community. Here are some ways in which the college’s graduates and initiatives have influenced the industry:

Industry-Ready Graduates: SMCET’s emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. Employers often seek SMCET alumni for their ability to contribute meaningfully from day one.

Innovation and Research: The college actively promotes research and innovation. Graduates and faculty are involved in cutting-edge research projects that have the potential to revolutionize various sectors, from robotics and artificial intelligence to sustainable energy solutions.

Entrepreneurship: SMCET’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship has led to the creation of startups and companies founded by its alumni. These ventures have contributed to economic growth and technological advancement.

Industry Partnerships: SMCET has established strong ties with industry leaders, facilitating internships, guest lectures, and collaborative research projects. These partnerships provide students with invaluable exposure to industry best practices.

Success Stories

The impact of Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology is best exemplified through the success stories of its alumni:

Tech Innovators: SMCET graduates have developed innovative technologies and solutions that have been recognized nationally and internationally. Some have even received patents for their inventions.

Corporate Leaders: Many alumni have climbed the corporate ladder and taken leadership roles in prominent organizations, contributing to the growth of the technology sector.

Entrepreneurs: SMCET has produced a new generation of entrepreneurs who have successfully established startups, generating employment and pioneering new solutions.

Researchers: Graduates have made significant contributions to the field of engineering through their research and development work, pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Conclusion

Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology, with its rich history, commitment to academic excellence, and a holistic approach to education, is not just a college but a hub of innovation and transformation. Through its dedication to nurturing engineers and technologists, SMCET is not only shaping the future of its students but also influencing the industry and the technological landscape of the region and the nation.

As the college continues to empower students with knowledge and values, it reaffirms the belief that education is the key to unlocking a brighter and more innovative future. SMCET’s legacy of producing engineers and technologists who can contribute to the advancement of society is a testament to its founders’ vision and the dedication of its faculty and students.

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Exploring the Benefits of Pursuing an Online MBA in Agribusiness Management

 Sow the seeds of your career in agribusiness management. DPU-COL's Online MBA program offers a fertile ground for growth and excellence.

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Look at The Best Agribusiness Management University in India | CAMUTKAL

With a specialized research and development centre actively engaged in creating new technologies and solutions for the agricultural industry, CAMUTKAL also places a high priority on innovation and research. By emphasizing research and innovation, CAMUTKAL maintains its leadership position in the field of agricultural management and generates graduates who are qualified to propel the sector forward. Apart from its outstanding academic programs, CAMUTKAL also provides a lively campus community with an array of extracurricular activities and events that foster students’ leadership and social skills. Graduates from this well-rounded program not only possess the technical expertise but also the soft skills and leadership abilities necessary for success in the agricultural industry. In summary, CAMUTKAL is the best agribusiness management university in India because of its top-notch instructors, cutting-edge facilities, emphasis on real-world experience and exposure to the industry, focus on research and innovation, and active campus community. By delivering graduates of the highest calibre, prepared to thrive in the agricultural industry, CAMUTKAL is establishing the benchmark for agricultural management education in India and abroad.

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One of the fastest-growing fields for professionals and entrepreneurs is the MBA in agribusiness. In addition to conducting ongoing research on farm maintenance, the course aims to comprehend and innovate ways to protect and preserve agrarian resources.

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Why an MBA in Agribusiness Management Could Be Your Best Career Move

Understanding Agribusiness management

Agribusiness management is the coming together of business principles and agricultural technological know-how. It entails coping with the manufacturing, advertising, and distribution of agricultural products while considering financial, social, and environmental elements. This multifaceted subject encompasses the whole thing from farm management and supply chain logistics to insurance assessment and marketing techniques. As the agricultural panorama shifts closer to sustainable practices, experts with specialised knowledge in agribusiness are essential for implementing innovative solutions.

We all know that in today’s world, agriculture is more than just farming, it’s a dynamic, evolving industry at the heart of global economies. With the rising demand for food, sustainable practices, and innovation in production and supply chains, agribusiness has become a critical field. If you’re considering a career that merges business and agriculture, an MBA in Agriculture Business Management could be your next big step.

Agribusiness management goes beyond managing farms or growing crops. It’s about understanding how the entire agricultural system works, right from the production and processing of food to its marketing, distribution, and retail. You learn how to manage these operations efficiently, balancing profitability with sustainability. 

In simple terms, agribusiness professionals are the people behind the scenes who make sure that what we grow on the land reaches our plates in the best, most efficient way possible. They work with everything from global supply chains to local markets, all while considering environmental impacts and sustainability goals. 

Why an MBA in Agribusiness?

If you’re passionate about agriculture but want to make a bigger impact than just working on the ground, this MBA can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

1. Diverse Career Paths: An MBA in Agri Business Management opens the door to many exciting roles. You could be managing large agribusiness corporations, consulting on sustainable farming practices, or working in marketing and finance within the sector. The scope is broad, with roles in supply chain management, policy development, and even agricultural technology startups.

2. Critical Industry Knowledge: You’ll gain a deep understanding of the entire agriculture value chain. From learning how to make farms more productive to finding efficient ways to market and distribute products, the knowledge you gain will be practical and applicable across various sectors. Moreover, the focus on sustainability ensures you're equipped to handle future challenges like climate change and resource shortages.

3. Problem-Solving Focus: The programme teaches you to think critically and solve complex problems. Whether it's finding ways to reduce waste in the food supply chain or helping a local farmer access global markets, the skills you develop will prepare you for real-world challenges.

4. Global Impact: As global food demand rises, professionals with an understanding of agriculture and business are crucial in making sure we meet this need sustainably. With this MBA, you could be at the forefront of creating solutions for food security, helping farmers adopt eco-friendly practices, or even influencing agricultural policies.

How Education Shapes Agribusiness Leaders

Education is key in turning passion for agriculture into real-world impact. An MBA in Agribusiness not only gives you the technical skills needed to thrive but also the leadership and business acumen to influence positive change in the industry. Whether your goal is to drive sustainability efforts or lead large agricultural enterprises, having a solid educational foundation will help you navigate the complexities of the field.

Why SIIB Is the Right Choice for Your Agribusiness MBA

If you’re looking for a place to pursue this path, Symbiosis college Pune MBA should be on your radar. Here’s why:

SIIB offers a comprehensive MBA in Agribusiness Management that blends core business principles with agricultural expertise. The curriculum is designed to give you hands-on experience through projects, case studies, and industry internships. You’ll not only learn the technical aspects but also how to apply them in real-world scenarios, making you job-ready from day one.

The faculty at SIIB are industry experts and seasoned academics who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Also, the college has strong connections with top agribusiness firms, meaning your networking opportunities are endless. Whether it’s guest lectures, workshops, or internships, you’ll be exposed to the latest trends and challenges in agribusiness.

And let’s not forget the vibrant campus life. At SIIB, you’re part of a community that’s passionate about learning and growth. From clubs and events to collaborative projects, you’ll be immersed in an environment that nurtures both personal and professional development.

Ready to Take the Next Step? An MBA in Agribusiness Management from SIIB can set you on a path to a rewarding career where you make a difference. Whether you’re driven by sustainability, innovation, or simply a passion for agriculture, SIIB offers the perfect platform to grow. For more details, visit their official website and see how you can make a lasting impact in the world of agribusiness.

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MBA in Agriculture

An MBA in agriculture is a postgraduate degree that prepares students for careers in the agricultural sector. The program typically covers topics such as agricultural economics, agricultural marketing, and agricultural finance. Students who graduate with an MBA in agriculture are in high demand by employers in the agricultural industry, including government agencies, agricultural businesses, and research institutions.

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The one weird monopoly trick that gave us Walmart and Amazon and killed Main Street

I'm coming to BURNING MAN! On TUESDAY (Aug 27) at 1PM, I'm giving a talk called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE!" at PALENQUE NORTE (7&E). On WEDNESDAY (Aug 28) at NOON, I'm doing a "Talking Caterpillar" Q&A at LIMINAL LABS (830&C).

Walmart didn't just happen. The rise of Walmart – and Amazon, its online successor – was the result of a specific policy choice, the decision by the Reagan administration not to enforce a key antitrust law. Walmart may have been founded by Sam Walton, but its success (and the demise of the American Main Street) are down to Reaganomics.

The law that Reagan neutered? The Robinson-Patman Act, a very boring-sounding law that makes it illegal for powerful companies (like Walmart) to demand preferential pricing from their suppliers (farmers, packaged goods makers, meat producers, etc). The idea here is straightforward. A company like Walmart is a powerful buyer (a "monopsonist" – compare with "monopolist," a powerful seller). That means that they can demand deep discounts from suppliers. Smaller stores – the mom and pop store on your Main Street – don't have the clout to demand those discounts. Worse, because those buyers are weak, the sellers – packaged goods companies, agribusiness cartels, Big Meat – can actually charge them more to make up for the losses they're taking in selling below cost to Walmart.

Reagan ordered his antitrust cops to stop enforcing Robinson-Patman, which was a huge giveaway to big business. Of course, that's not how Reagan framed it: He called Robinson-Patman a declaration of "war on low prices," because it prevented big companies from using their buying power to squeeze huge discounts. Reagan's court sorcerers/economists asserted that if Walmart could get goods at lower prices, they would sell goods at lower prices.

Which was true…up to a point. Because preferential discounting (offering better discounts to bigger customers) creates a structural advantage over smaller businesses, it meant that big box stores would eventually eliminate virtually all of their smaller competitors. That's exactly what happened: downtowns withered, suburban big boxes grew. Spending that would have formerly stayed in the community was whisked away to corporate headquarters. These corporate HQs were inevitably located in "onshore-offshore" tax haven states, meaning they were barely taxed at the state level. That left plenty of money in these big companies' coffers to spend on funny accountants who'd help them avoid federal taxes, too. That's another structural advantage the big box stores had over the mom-and-pops: not only did they get their inventory at below-cost discounts, they didn't have to pay tax on the profits, either.

MBA programs actually teach this as a strategy to pursue: they usually refer to Amazon's "flywheel" where lower prices bring in more customers which allows them to demand even lower prices:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaSwWYemLek

You might have heard about rural and inner-city "food deserts," where all the independent grocery stores have shuttered, leaving behind nothing but dollar stores? These are the direct product of the decision not to enforce Robinson-Patman. Dollar stores target working class neighborhoods with functional, beloved local grocers. They open multiple dollar stores nearby (nearly all the dollar stores you see are owned by one of two conglomerates, no matter what the sign over the door says). They price goods below cost and pay for high levels of staffing, draining business off the community grocery store until it collapses. Then, all the dollar stores except one close and the remaining store fires most of its staff (working at a dollar store is incredibly dangerous, thanks to low staffing levels that make them easy targets for armed robbers). Then, they jack up prices, selling goods in "cheater" sizes that are smaller than the normal retail packaging, and which are only made available to large dollar store conglomerates:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/27/walmarts-jackals/#cheater-sizes

Writing in The American Prospect, Max M Miller and Bryce Tuttle1 – a current and a former staffer for FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya – write about the long shadow cast by Reagan's decision to put Robinson-Patman in mothballs:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-08-13-stopping-excessive-market-power-monopoly/

They tell the story of Robinson-Patman's origins in 1936, when A&P was using preferential discounts to destroy the independent grocery sector and endanger the American food system. A&P didn't just demand preferential discounts from its suppliers; it also charged them a fortune to be displayed on its shelves, an early version of Amazon's $38b/year payola system:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/28/enshittification/#relentless-payola

They point out that Robinson-Patman didn't really need to be enacted; America already had an antitrust law that banned this conduct: section 2 of the the Clayton Act, which was passed in 1914. But for decades, the US courts refused to interpret the Clayton Act according to its plain meaning, with judges tying themselves in knots to insist that the law couldn't possibly mean what it said. Robinson-Patman was one of a series of antitrust laws that Congress passed in a bid to explain in words so small even federal judges could understand them that the purpose of American antitrust law was to keep corporations weak:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/14/aiming-at-dollars/#not-men

Both the Clayton Act and Robinson-Patman reject the argument that it's OK to let monopolies form and come to dominate critical sectors of the American economy based on the theoretical possibility that this will lead to lower prices. They reject this idea first as a legal matter. We don't let giant corporations victimize small businesses and their suppliers just because that might help someone else.

Beyond this, there's the realpolitik of monopoly. Yes, companies could pass lower costs on to customers, but will they? Look at Amazon: the company takes $0.45-$0.51 out of every dollar that its sellers earn, and requires them to offer their lowest price on Amazon. No one has a 45-51% margin, so every seller jacks up their prices on Amazon, but you don't notice it, because Amazon forces them to jack up prices everywhere else:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/01/managerial-discretion/#junk-fees

The Robinson-Patman Act did important work, and its absence led to many of the horribles we're living through today. This week on his Peoples & Things podcast, Lee Vinsel talked with Benjamin Waterhouse about his new book, One Day I’ll Work for Myself: The Dream and Delusion That Conquered America:

https://athenaeum.vt.domains/peoplesandthings/2024/08/12/78-benjamin-c-waterhouse-on-one-day-ill-work-for-myself-the-dream-and-delusion-that-conquered-america/

Towards the end of the discussion, Vinsel and Waterhouse turn to Robinson-Patman, its author, Wright Patman, and the politics of small business in America. They point out – correctly – that Wright Patman was something of a creep, a "Dixiecrat" (southern Democrat) who was either an ideological segregationist or someone who didn't mind supporting segregation irrespective of his beliefs.

That's a valid critique of Wright Patman, but it's got little bearing on the substance and history of the law that bears his name, the Robinson-Patman Act. Vinsel and Waterhouse get into that as well, and while they made some good points that I wholeheartedly agreed with, I fiercely disagree with the conclusion they drew from these points.

Vinsel and Waterhouse point out (again, correctly) that small businesses have a long history of supporting reactionary causes and attacking workers' rights – associations of small businesses, small women-owned business, and small minority-owned businesses were all in on opposition to minimum wages and other key labor causes.

But while this is all true, that doesn't make Robinson-Patman a reactionary law, or bad for workers. The point of protecting small businesses from the predatory practices of large firms is to maintain an American economy where business can't trump workers or government. Large companies are literally ungovernable: they have gigantic war-chests they can spend lobbying governments and corrupting the political process, and concentrated sectors find it comparatively easy to come together to decide on a single lobbying position and then make it reality.

As Vinsel and Waterhouse discuss, US big business has traditionally hated small business. They recount a notorious and telling anaecdote about the editor of the Chamber of Commerce magazine asking his boss if he could include coverage of small businesses, given the many small business owners who belonged to the Chamber, only to be told, "Over my dead body." Why did – why does – big business hate small business so much? Because small businesses wreck the game. If they are included in hearings, notices of inquiry, or just given a vote on what the Chamber of Commerce will lobby for with their membership dollars, they will ask for things that break with the big business lobbying consensus.

That's why we should like small business. Not because small business owners are incapable of being petty tyrants, but because whatever else, they will be petty. They won't be able to hire million-dollar-a-month union-busting law-firms, they won't be able to bribe Congress to pass favorable laws, they can't capture their regulators with juicy offers of sweet jobs after their government service ends.

Vinsel and Waterhouse point out that many large firms emerged during the era in which Robinson-Patman was in force, but that misunderstands the purpose of Robinson-Patman: it wasn't designed to prevent any large businesses from emerging. There are some capital-intensive sectors (say, chip fabrication) where the minimum size for doing anything is pretty damned big.

As Miller and Tuttle write:

The goal of RPA was not to create a permanent Jeffersonian agrarian republic of exclusively small businesses. It was to preserve a diverse economy of big and small businesses. Congress recognized that the needs of communities and people—whether in their role as consumers, business owners, or workers—are varied and diverse. A handful of large chains would never be able to meet all those needs in every community, especially if they are granted pricing power.

The fight against monopoly is only secondarily a fight between small businesses and giant ones. It's foundationally a fight about whether corporations should have so much power that they are too big to fail, too big to jail, and too big to care.

Community voting for SXSW is live! If you wanna hear RIDA QADRI and me talk about how GIG WORKERS can DISENSHITTIFY their jobs with INTEROPERABILITY, VOTE FOR THIS ONE!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/08/14/the-price-is-wright/#enforcement-priorities