#What is Agriculture Insurance Market

[dhirajmarketresearch]

[botanyshitposts]

Opinion on the US's Cogs damn obsession with corn?

don't know what you're talking about specifically but my understanding of US agricultural policy in general is that being a farmer in capitalism sucks and has since colonization and for a long time the US government tried to make it suck less with subsidies which sometimes work (because people get paid predictably regardless of demand and its less like gambling with crops) but sometimes go over really badly (because then too many people grow it and the price per bushel goes down and then government has too much corn) and then a couple times they got rid of all the subsides and related regulations and that REALLY didnt work (because then the price just crashed hard and with nothing to compensate them a bunch of farmers, many of whom were in debt for other farming-related reasons, couldnt get paid and actually had to foreclose their farms, which accelerated the long-standing trend of farms getting foreclosed on and then being bought out by bigger farms that then ended up running INSANE multi million dollar operations, sometimes even on farms in other states where the owners do not live, in communities they do not contribute to) and they had to backpedal on it and then eventually they just started on the current system where you simply pass a farm bill every 10-12 years instead of yearly or biyearly and that way you simply dont have to think about it, and then when it is election time you go stand by a cornfield for a while for tv. it does not fix the huge enormous farms buying out smaller farms problem or any of the complicated related problems but it DOES put it off for longer which is more important.

sometimes also you (USAID for instance) can give the too-much-corn you have from farm subsidies to a foreign country as a 'gift' and say youre just being a helpful little guy, but in the process of doing so undercut the local farmers in that country because they cant compete with free stuff but that's cool because then the foreign country can't really survive as well without US agricultural aid and you can manipulate them to do imperialism better AND you have more demand for the corn which might raise the price per bushel in the US. also sometimes the corn is fed to livestock en masse because the meat is worth more and sometimes its made into gas or high fructose corn syrup, and sometimes the price is so low per bushel that the insurance on the field is worth more than the actual corn.

but. i CANNOT stress enough that the most important thing about corn is that you can stand next to it on tv and if you cant do that, maybe you can stand next to a guy who is around it a lot and say you are helping him.

in my relatively uneducated opinion the most epic way to solve this complex multi-century interdisciplinary push and pull of supply and demand would be to just pay farmers a salary through the state since youre already paying out massive state subsidies for crops you dont need anyway and the farmers are performing a vital service and that way you can guarantee people a consistent salary AND control how much of each thing gets planted so you dont have a massive stockpile at all times AND you reward individual people instead of paying out large amounts of money to whatever massive operation sells the most corn by virtue of being big, but if you dont want to do that then the second best thing is to just pass another mediocre farm bill whos inflexible 10-ish year lifespan makes it impossible for it to respond well to changes in market demand and that way you can just put off making tough decisions and instead stand next to a guy and a cornfield on tv again. which as we have covered is the most important part of american agriculture

[thedansemacabres]

Introduction To Supporting Sustainable Agriculture For Witches and Pagans

[ID: An image of yellow grain stocks, soon to be harvested. The several stocks reach towards a blurred open sky, focusing the camera on he grains themselves. The leaves of the grains are green and the cereals are exposed].

PAGANISM AND WITCHCRAFT ARE MOVEMENTS WITHIN A SELF-DESTRUCTIVE CAPITALIST SOCIETY. As the world becomes more aware of the importance of sustainability, so does the duty of humanity to uphold the idea of the steward, stemming from various indigenous worldviews, in the modern era. I make this small introduction as a viticulturist working towards organic and environmentally friendly grape production. I also do work on a food farm, as a second job—a regenerative farm, so I suppose that is my qualifications. Sustainable—or rather regenerative agriculture—grows in recognition. And as paganism and witchcraft continue to blossom, learning and supporting sustainability is naturally a path for us to take. I will say that this is influenced by I living in the USA, however, there are thousands of groups across the world for sustainable agriculture, of which tend to be easy to research.

So let us unite in caring for the world together, and here is an introduction to supporting sustainable/regenerative agriculture. 

A QUICK BRIEF ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE 

Sustainable agriculture, in truth, is a movement to practise agriculture as it has been done for thousands of years—this time, with more innovation from science and microbiology especially. The legal definition in the USA of sustainable agriculture is: 

The term ”sustainable agriculture” (U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103) means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term:

A more common man’s definition would be farming in a way that provides society’s food and textile needs without overuse of natural resources, artificial supplements and pest controls, without compromising the future generation’s needs and ability to produce resources. The agriculture industry has one of the largest and most detrimental impacts on the environment, and sustainable agriculture is the alternative movement to it. 

Sustainable agriculture also has the perk of being physically better for you—the nutrient quality of crops in the USA has dropped by 47%, and the majority of our food goes to waste. Imagine if it was composted and reused? Or even better—we buy only what we need. We as pagans and witches can help change this. 

BUYING ORGANIC (IT REALLY WORKS)

The first step is buying organic. While cliche, it does work: organic operations have certain rules to abide by, which excludes environmentally dangerous chemicals—many of which, such as DDT, which causes ecological genocide and death to people. Organic operations have to use natural ways of fertilising, such as compost, which to many of us—such as myself—revere the cycle of life, rot, and death. Organic standards do vary depending on the country, but the key idea is farming without artificial fertilisers, using organic seeds, supplementing with animal manure, fertility managed through management practices, etc. 

However, organic does have its flaws. Certified organic costs many, of which many small farmers cannot afford. The nutrient quality of organic food, while tending to be better, is still poor compared to regeneratively grown crops. Furthermore, the process to become certified organic is often gruelling—you can practise completely organically, but if you are not certified, it is not organic. Which, while a quality control insurance, is both a bonus and a hurdle. 

JOINING A CSA

Moving from organic is joining a CSA (“Community supported agriculture”). The USDA defines far better than I could: 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), one type of direct marketing, consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.

By purchasing a farm share, you receive food from the farm for the agreed upon production year. I personally enjoy CSAs for the relational aspect—choosing a CSA is about having a relationship, not only with the farmer(s), but also the land you receive food from. I volunteer for my CSA and sometimes I get extra cash from it—partaking in the act of caring for the land. Joining a CSA also means taking your precious capital away from the larger food industry and directly supporting growers—and CSAs typically practise sustainable and/or regenerative agriculture. 

CSAs are also found all over the world and many can deliver their products to food deserts and other areas with limited agricultural access. I volunteer from time to time for a food bank that does exactly that with the produce I helped grow on the vegetable farm I work for. 

FARM MARKETS AND STALLS 

Another way of personally connecting to sustainable agriculture is entering the realm of the farm stall. The farmer’s market is one of my personal favourite experiences—people buzzing about searching for ingredients, smiles as farmers sell crops and products such as honey or baked goods, etc. The personal connection stretches into the earth, and into the past it buries—as I purchase my apples from the stall, I cannot help but see a thousand lives unfold. People have been doing this for thousands of years and here I stand, doing it all over again. 

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Farmers’ markets are dependent on your local area, yet in most you can still develop personal community connections. Paganism often stresses community as an ideal and a state of life. And witchcraft often stresses a connection to the soil. What better place, then, is purchasing the products from the locals who commune with the land? 

VOLUNTEERING 

If you are able to, I absolutely recommend volunteering. I have worked with aquaponic systems, food banks, farms, cider-making companies, soil conservation groups, etc. There is so much opportunity—and perhaps employment—in these fields. The knowledge I have gained has been wonderful. As one example, I learned that fertilisers reduce carbon sequestration as plants absorb carbon to help with nutrient intake. If they have all their nutrients ready, they do not need to work to obtain carbon to help absorb it. This does not even get into the symbiotic relationship fungi have with roots, or the world of hyphae. Volunteering provides community and connection. Actions and words change the world, and the world grows ever better with help—including how much or how little you may provide. It also makes a wonderful devotional activity. 

RESOURCING FOOD AND COOKING 

Buying from farmers is not always easy, however. Produce often has to be processed, requiring labour and work with some crops such as carrots. Other times, it is a hard effort to cook and many of us—such as myself—often have very limited energy. There are solutions to this, thankfully:

Many farmers can and will process foods. Some even do canning, which can be good to stock up on food and lessen the energy inputs. 

Value-added products: farms also try to avoid waste, and these products often become dried snacks if fruit, frozen, etc. 

Asking farmers if they would be open to accommodating this. Chances are, they would! The farmer I purchase my CSA share from certainly does. 

Going to farmers markets instead of buying a CSA, aligning with your energy levels. 

And if any of your purchased goods are going unused, you can always freeze them. 

DEMETER, CERES, VEIA, ETC: THE FORGOTTEN AGRICULTURE GODS

Agricultural gods are often neglected. Even gods presiding over agriculture often do not have those aspects venerated—Dionysos is a god of viticulture and Apollon a god of cattle. While I myself love Dionysos as a party and wine god, the core of him remains firmly in the vineyards and fields, branching into the expanses of the wild. I find him far more in the curling vines as I prune them than in the simple delights of the wine I ferment. Even more obscure gods, such as Veia, the Etruscan goddess of agriculture, are seldom known.

Persephone receives the worst of this: I enjoy her too as a dread queen, and people do acknowledge her as Kore, but she is far more popular as the queen of the underworld instead of the dear daughter of Demeter. I do understand this, though—I did not feel the might of Demeter and Persephone until I began to move soil with my own hands. A complete difference to the ancient world, where the Eleusinian mysteries appealed to thousands. Times change, and while some things should be left to the past, our link to these gods have been severed. After all, how many of us reading know where our food comes from? I did not until I began to purchase from the land I grew to know personally. The grocery store has become a land of tearing us from the land, instead of the food hub it should be.

Yet, while paganism forgets agriculture gods, they have not forgotten us. The new world of farming is more conductive and welcoming than ever. I find that while older, bigoted people exist, the majority of new farmers tend to be LGBT+. My own boss is trans and aro, and I myself am transgender and gay. The other young farmers I know are some flavour of LGBT+, or mixed/poc. There’s a growing movement for Black farmers, elaborated in a lovely text called We Are Each Other’s Harvest. 

Indigenous farming is also growing and I absolutely recommend buying from indigenous farmers. At this point, I consider Demeter to be a patron of LGBT+ people in this regard—she gives an escape to farmers such as myself. Bigotry is far from my mind under her tender care, as divine Helios shines above and Okeanos’ daughters bring fresh water to the crops. Paganism is also more commonly accepted—I find that farmers find out that I am pagan and tell me to do rituals for their crops instead of reacting poorly. Or they’re pagan themselves; a farmer I know turned out to be Wiccan and uses the wheel of the year to keep track of production. 

Incorporating these divinities—or concepts surrounding them—into our crafts and altars is the spiritual step towards better agriculture. Holy Demeter continues to guide me, even before I knew it. 

WANT CHANGE? DO IT YOURSELF! 

If you want change in the world, you have to act. And if you wish for better agriculture, there is always the chance to do it yourself. Sustainable agriculture is often far more accessible than people think: like witchcraft and divination, it is a practice. Homesteading is often appealing to many of us, including myself, and there are plenty of resources to begin. There are even grants to help one improve their home to be more sustainable, i.e. solar panels. Gardening is another, smaller option. Many of us find that plants we grow and nourish are far more potentant in craft, and more receptive to magical workings. 

Caring for plants is fundamental to our natures and there are a thousand ways to delve into it. I personally have joined conservation groups, my local soil conservation group, work with the NRCs in the USA, and more. The path to fully reconnecting to nature and agriculture is personal—united in a common cause to fight for this beautiful world. To immerse yourself in sustainable agriculture, I honestly recommend researching and finding your own path. Mine lies in soil and rot, grapevines and fruit trees. Others do vegetables and cereal grains, or perhaps join unions and legislators. Everyone has a share in the beauty of life, our lives stemming from the land’s gentle sprouts. 

Questions and or help may be given through my ask box on tumblr—if there is a way I can help, let me know. My knowledge is invaluable I believe, as I continue to learn and grow in the grey-clothed arms of Demeter, Dionysos, and Kore. 

FURTHER READING:

Baszile, N. (2021). We are each other’s harvest. HarperCollins.

Hatley, J. (2016). Robin Wall Kimmerer. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. Environmental Philosophy, 13(1), 143–145. https://doi.org/10.5840/envirophil201613137

Regenerative Agriculture 101. (2021, November 29). https://www.nrdc.org/stories/regenerative-agriculture-101#what-is

And in truth, far more than I could count. 

References

Community Supported Agriculture | National Agricultural Library. (n.d.). https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/community-supported-agriculture

Navazio, J. (2012). The Organic seed Grower: A Farmer’s Guide to Vegetable Seed Production. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Plaster, E. (2008). Soil Science and Management. Cengage Learning.

Sheaffer, C. C., & Moncada, K. M. (2012). Introduction to agronomy: food, crops, and environment. Cengage Learning.

Sheldrake, M. (2020). Entangled life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures. Random House.

Sustainable Agriculture | National Agricultural Library. (n.d.). https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/sustainable-agriculture

[centrally-unplanned]

Gonna make this a quick one since I just don’t have the spoons for a really big effort post: Pre-CCP 20th Century China Did Not Have Feudal or Slave-like Land Tenancy Systems

Obviously what counts as “slave-like” is going to be subjective, but I think it's common, for *ahem* reasons, for people to believe that in the 1930’s Chinese agriculture was dominated by massive-scale, absentee landlords who held the large majority of peasant workers in a virtual chokehold and dictated all terms of labor.

That is not how Chinese land ownership & agricultural systems worked. I am going to pull from Chinese Agriculture in the 1930s: Investigations into John Lossing Buck’s Rediscovered ‘Land Utilization in China’ Microdata, which is some of the best ground-level data you can get on how land use functioned, in practice, in China during the "Nanjing Decade" before WW2 ruins all data collection. It looks at a series of north-central provinces, which gives you the money table of this:

On average, 4/5ths of Chinese peasants owned land, and primarily farmed land that they owned. Tenancy was, by huge margins, the minority practice. I really don’t need to say more than this, but I'm going to because there is a deeper point I want to make. And it's fair to say that while this is representative of Northern China, Southern China did have higher tenancy rates - not crazy higher, but higher.

So let's look at those part-owner farmers; sounds bad right? Like they own part of their land, but it's not enough? Well, sometimes, but sometimes not:

A huge class (about ~1/3rd) of those part-owners were farming too much land, not too little; they were enterprising households renting land to expand their businesses. They would often engage in diversified production, like cash crops on the rented land and staple crops on their owned land. Many of them would actually leave some of their owned land fallow, because it wasn’t worth the time to farm!

Meanwhile the small part-owners and the landless tenant farmers would rent out land to earn a living…sometimes. Because that wasn’t the only way to make a living - trades existed. From our data, if you are a small part-owner, you got a substantial chunk of your income from non-farm labor; if you owned no land you got the majority of your income from non-farm labor:

(Notice how that includes child labor by default, welcome to pre-modernism!)

So the amount of people actually doing full-tenancy agriculture for a living is…pretty small, less than 10% for sure. But what did it look like for those who do? The tenancy rates can be pretty steep - 50/50 splits were very common. But that is deceiving actually; this would be called “share rent”, but other systems, such as cash rents, bulk crop rents, long-term leases with combined payment structures, etc, also existed and were plentiful - and most of those had lower rent rates. However, share rent did two things; one, it hedged against risk; in the case of a crop failure you weren't out anything as the tenant, a form of insurance. And two, it implied reciprocal obligations - the land owner was providing the seed, normally the tools as well, and other inputs like fertilizer.

Whether someone chose one type of tenancy agreement or the other was based on balancing their own labor availability, other wage opportunities, the type of crop being grown, and so on. From the data we have, negotiations were common around these types of agreements; a lot of land that was share rent one year would be cash rent another, because the tenants and market conditions shifted to encourage one or the other form.

I’m doing a little trick here, by throwing all these things at you. Remember the point at the top? “Was this system like slavery?” What defines slavery? To me, its a lack of options - that is the bedrock of a slave system. Labor that you are compelled by law to do, with no claim on the output of that work. And as I hit you with eight tiers of land ownership and tenancy agreements and multi-source household incomes, as you see that the median person renting out land to a tenant farmer was himself a farmer as a profession and by no means some noble in the city, what I hope becomes apparent is that the Chinese agricultural system was a fully liquid market based on choice and expected returns. By no means am I saying that it was a nice way to live; it was an awful way to live. But nowhere in this system was state coercion the bedrock of the labor system. China’s agricultural system was in fact one of the most free, commercial, and contract-based systems on the planet in the pre-modern era, that was a big source of why China as a society was so wealthy. It was a massive, moving market of opportunities for wages, loans, land ownership, tenancy agreements, haggled contracts, everyone trying in their own way to make the living that they could.

It's a system that left many poor, and to be clear injustices, robberies, corruption, oh for sure were legion. Particularly during the Warlord Era mass armies might just sweep in and confiscate all your hard currency and fresh crops. But, even ignoring that the whole ‘poverty’ thing is 90% tech level and there was no amount of redistribution that was going to improve that very much, what is more important is that the pre-modern world was *not* equally bad in all places. The American South was also pretty poor, but richer than China in the 19th century. And being a slave in the American South was WAY worse than being a peasant in China during times of peace - because Confederate society built systems to remove choice, to short-circuit the ebb and flow of the open system to enshrine their elite ‘permanently’ at the top. If you lived in feudal Russia it was a good deal worse, with huge amounts of your yearly labor compelled by the state onto estates held by those who owned them unimpeachably by virtue of their birthright (though you were a good deal richer just due to basic agriculture productivity & population density, bit of a tradeoff there).

If you simply throw around the word “slavery” to describe every pre-modern agricultural system because it was poor and shitty, that back-doors a massive amount of apologia for past social systems that were actively worse than the benchmarks of the time. Which is something the CCP did; their diagnosis of China’s problem for the rural poor of needing massive land redistribution was wrong! It was just wrong, it was not the issue they were having. It was not why rural China was often poor and miserable. It could help, sure, I myself would support some compensated land redistribution in the post-war era as a welfare idea for a fiscally-strapped state. But that was gonna do 1% of the heavy lifting here in making the rural poor's lives better. And I don’t think we should continue to the job of spreading the CCP's propaganda for them.

There ya go @chiefaccelerator, who alas I was not permitted to compel via state force into writing this for me, you Qing Dynasty lazy peasant.

[rjzimmerman]

Food as You Know It Is About to Change. (New York Times Op-Ed)

From the vantage of the American supermarket aisle, the modern food system looks like a kind of miracle. Everything has been carefully cultivated for taste and convenience — even those foods billed as organic or heirloom — and produce regarded as exotic luxuries just a few generations ago now seems more like staples, available on demand: avocados, mangoes, out-of-season blueberries imported from Uruguay.

But the supermarket is also increasingly a diorama of the fragility of a system — disrupted in recent years by the pandemic, conflict and, increasingly, climate change. What comes next? Almost certainly, more disruptions and more hazards, enough to remake the whole future of food.

The world as a whole is already facing what the Cornell agricultural economist Chris Barrett calls a “food polycrisis.” Over the past decade, he says, what had long been reliable global patterns of year-on-year improvements in hunger first stalled and then reversed. Rates of undernourishment have grown 21 percent since 2017. Agricultural yields are still growing, but not as quickly as they used to and not as quickly as demand is booming. Obesity has continued to rise, and the average micronutrient content of dozens of popular vegetables has continued to fall. The food system is contributing to the growing burden of diabetes and heart disease and to new spillovers of infectious diseases from animals to humans as well.

And then there are prices. Worldwide, wholesale food prices, adjusted for inflation, have grown about 50 percent since 1999, and those prices have also grown considerably more volatile, making not just markets but the whole agricultural Rube Goldberg network less reliable. Overall, American grocery prices have grown by almost 21 percent since President Biden took office, a phenomenon central to the widespread perception that the cost of living has exploded on his watch. Between 2020 and 2023, the wholesale price of olive oil tripled; the price of cocoa delivered to American ports jumped by even more in less than two years. The economist Isabella Weber has proposed maintaining the food equivalent of a strategic petroleum reserve, to buffer against shortages and ease inevitable bursts of market chaos.

Price spikes are like seismographs for the food system, registering much larger drama elsewhere — and sometimes suggesting more tectonic changes underway as well. More than three-quarters of the population of Africa, which has already surpassed one billion, cannot today afford a healthy diet; this is where most of our global population growth is expected to happen this century, and there has been little agricultural productivity growth there for 20 years. Over the same time period, there hasn’t been much growth in the United States either.

Though American agriculture as a whole produces massive profits, Mr. Barrett says, most of the country’s farms actually lose money, and around the world, food scarcity is driving record levels of human displacement and migration. According to the World Food Program, 282 million people in 59 countries went hungry last year, 24 million more than the previous year. And already, Mr. Barrett says, building from research by his Cornell colleague Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, the effects of climate change have reduced the growth of overall global agricultural productivity by between 30 and 35 percent. The climate threats to come loom even larger.

It can be tempting, in an age of apocalyptic imagination, to picture the most dire future climate scenarios: not just yield declines but mass crop failures, not just price spikes but food shortages, not just worsening hunger but mass famine. In a much hotter world, those will indeed become likelier, particularly if agricultural innovation fails to keep pace with climate change; over a 30-year time horizon, the insurer Lloyd’s recently estimated a 50 percent chance of what it called a “major” global food shock.

But disruption is only half the story and perhaps much less than that. Adaptation and innovation will transform the global food supply, too. At least to some degree, crops such as avocados or cocoa, which now regularly appear on lists of climate-endangered foodstuffs, will be replaced or redesigned. Diets will shift, and with them the farmland currently producing staple crops — corn, wheat, soy, rice. The pressure on the present food system is not a sign that it will necessarily fail, only that it must change. Even if that progress does come to pass, securing a stable and bountiful future for food on a much warmer planet, what will it all actually look like?

[theknightlywolfe]

Long story short, like Florida and Louisiana, California's earthquakes and fires have caused insurance companies to have to pay out, the thing you pay them for. So they are dropping areas they deem particularly prone to natural disasters so they don't have to pay out when one hits.

Natural disasters are increasing because of climate change. But I bet you each of those insurance companies has had some form of "back to office" for workers who went remote during COVID lockdowns and is rolling out "AI" in one or more areas internally with zero care of the environmental impacts of those choices. To say nothing of the deforestation that has happened so they can send every adult in the country a mailed ad every other week.

Just a reminder, even before Silicon Valley was a thing California was the 7th largest economy in the world. It has some of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is the major producer of certain agricultural goods for the entire planet to say nothing of what it produces for the US grocery market. And wine, don't forget wine. People like to attack California, and there certainly is a massive amount that could improve there, but economic issues that arise from this situation will have a ripple effect across the world.

[galaxybooper]

Just a thought. You know how the price increase and the income not increasing as well happened before? And since everything was so costly, no one bought anything, so the economy got bad, people panicked, prices rose more, people still didn't buy, and everything crashed into the dirt?

According to History.com, The Great Depression's causes were, "The stock market, centered at the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in New York City, was the scene of reckless speculation, where everyone from millionaire tycoons to cooks and janitors poured their savings into stocks. As a result, the stock market underwent rapid expansion, reaching its peak in August 1929. By then, production had already declined and unemployment had risen, leaving stock prices much higher than their actual value. Additionally, wages at that time were low, consumer debt was proliferating, the agricultural sector of the economy was struggling due to drought and falling food prices and banks had an excess of large loans that could not be liquidated. The American economy entered a mild recession during the summer of 1929, as consumer spending slowed and unsold goods began to pile up, which in turn slowed factory production."

Another important quote from the article is this, "As consumer confidence vanished in the wake of the stock market crash, the downturn in spending and investment led factories and other businesses to slow down production and begin firing their workers. For those who were lucky enough to remain employed, wages fell and buying power decreased."

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? The US unemployment rate right now, according to the Department of Labor Statistics, is 4.2%. Wages are low. Thousands of workers were let go during Covid (and it seems hard right now to get a decent-paying job). Not to mention how everything is raising prices.

About a year and some ago, I could pay $150- $180 US dollars for basic food necessities and a few ingredients for cooking. I came back to the USA for the holidays and bought like 20 items? Maybe 15? It was $280 US dollars.

$280!!!!!! FOR HEALTHY FOOD!!!!! FOR ONE FUCKING RECIPE AND BREAKFAST!!!!

As an outsider of the USA, things don't have to be what it is now. You may not know it but there are so many countries out there that have affordable needs. Things can be better. Food doesn't have to cost so much, insurance doesn't have to cost so much and be so useless, and basic human needs shouldn't be a costly purchase.

I'd suggest watching Oversimplied's French Revolution (Part One & Two) and The Emu War beginning. From 1:20-1:53.

We need to learn history to not repeat the past but at this point, the past has been repeated one too many times. Be smart. Learn. Expand your horizons. And if anyone tells you "It is what it is" fucking bite them.

[stephensmithuk]

The Five Orange Pips

ACD likes a shipwreck, doesn't he?

I will leave discussions about the Ku Klux Klan to those with more knowledge on the subject.

A mendicant is someone who generally takes a vow of poverty and relies on charity to survive - such as a wandering preacher. In Christianity, this was often done in deliberate imitation of the Apostles, who were told to rely on others (and by extension God) for their needs. Mendicants having a luxurious club would be a tad hypocritical.

We have two barques referenced here. To repeat my comment from "The Gloria Scott": a bark - or barque - is a type of sailing ship with three or more masts - the first two masts have square sails, the one at the back had them aligned with the hull. They were fast ships that needed a relatively small crew.

The UK's position on the Gulf Stream may keep the place from getting very cold in winter, but it also leaves us open to big storms.

Pince-nez glasses were very popular in this time period.

The area around Horsham does indeed have pretty clay-ey soil that's good for growing crops.

Horsham is a market and commuter town 31 miles from London.

Cheating at cards was apparently the worst thing a gentleman could do. In Ian Fleming's novels, two of the villains are immediately clearly wrong-uns as they're rich guys who feel the need to cheat.

Being "sent to Coventry" is a British expression for being ostracised. Joseph appears to have sent himself to the West Midlands town.

Pondicherry, now called Puducherry, was in fact a French enclave on the south-eastern coast of India and was not in fact transferred to Indian control until 1954.

"London E." was one of the postal divisions of the city at the time - it remains as the E postcode area, split into 22 districts, including two specially for Natwest and News International. Yep, Murdoch has his own postcode.

PC Cook is rather off his normal beat. H Division covered Whitechapel and had, a few years prior to this story coming out, failed to catch Jack the Ripper.

The Embankment here refers to the Victoria Embankment, a road and pedestrian avenue built by the river as part of a land reclamation project earlier in the century. It had the side effect of permanently ending any hope of Frost Fairs - the river now flows too fast to freeze.

I believe this story takes place pretty much entirely in Baker Street.

Lloyd's refers to Lloyd's of London, a very long running maritime insurance marketplace, who also underwrite a bunch of other insurance policies, including film stars' legs. They keep comprehensive records of ship movements for this purposes.

Gravesend is a town in Kent near what is now the M25 and would be a good place to spot a ship before the Thames Estuary widens out - beyond that, you might easily miss a ship in poor visibility from the few communities beyond it.

The transatlantic telegraph cables were firmly in operation by this point. Their successor cables form the backbone of the modern Internet.

Mail was generally transported on the fastest ships i.e. the ocean liners; so you'd be talking around a week to cross the Atlantic at this point. A sailing ship would be looking at three times as long.

Sliced bread - i.e. bread that came pre-sliced when you bought it - was not a thing until 1928.

Please note that those who wish to post orange pips to the United States today will require a permit from the US Department of Agriculture.

[stevishabitat]

Soil: The Secret Weapon in the Fight Against Climate Change - EcoWatch

www.ecowatch.com

Soil: The Secret Weapon in the Fight Against Climate Change

EcoWatch

7 - 8 minutes

By Claire O’Connor

Agriculture is on the front lines of climate change. Whether it’s the a seven-year drought drying up fields in California, the devastating Midwest flooding in 2019, or hurricane after hurricane hitting the Eastern Shore, agriculture and rural communities are already feeling the effects of a changing climate. Scientists expect climate change to make these extreme weather events both more frequent and more intense in coming years.

Agriculture is also an important — in fact a necessary — partner in fighting climate change. The science is clear: We cannot stay beneath the most dangerous climate thresholds without sequestering a significant amount of carbon in our soils.

Agricultural soils have the potential to sequester, relatively inexpensively, 250 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gasses annually — equivalent to the annual emissions of 64 coal fired power plants, according to National Academy of Sciences.

But we can’t get there without engaging farmers, turning a source of emissions into a carbon sink. Here are just a few of the ways the Natural Resources Defense Council works to encourage climate-friendly farming:

Creating New Incentives for Cover Crops: Cover crops are planted in between growing seasons with the specific purpose of building soil health. Despite their multiple agronomic and environmental benefits, adoption is low — only about 7% of U.S. farmland uses cover crops. NRDC is working to scale up cover cropping through innovative incentives delivered through the largest federal farm subsidy: crop insurance. We’ve worked with partners in Iowa and Illinois to launch programs that give farmers who use cover crops /acre off of their crop insurance bill. And partners in Minnesota and Wisconsin are exploring similar options. While we’re delighted at the benefit this program has for farmers in those individual states, we’re even more excited about the potential to scale this program to the 350 million acres that utilize subsidized crop insurance nationwide. A recent study suggests that cover crops sequester an average of .79 tons of carbon per acre annually, making cover crops one of the pillars of climate-friendly farming systems.

Supporting Carbon as a New “Agricultural Product”: Championed by Senator Ron Wyden, the 2018 Farm Bill created a new program, the Soil Health Demonstration Trial, that encourages farmers to adopt practices that improve their soil health, and tracks and measures the outcomes. NRDC worked alongside our partners at E2 and a number of commodity groups, farmer organizations, and agribusinesses to secure passage of this provision. The Demonstration Trial will create a new, reliable income stream — farmers will get paid for the carbon they sequester regardless of how their crops turn out, and it builds the data needed for confidence in any future carbon markets. USDA recently announced the first round of awards under this new program, totaling over million in investments to improve soil health. Senator Cory Booker has since drafted legislation that would increase funding for the program nearly 10-fold to 0 million annually; Representative Deb Haaland released a companion bill in the House.

Scaling up Regenerative Agriculture: Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that looks to work with nature to rebuild the overall health of the system. Regenerative farmers use a variety of tactics, including reduced chemical inputs, diverse crop and livestock rotations, incorporating compost into their systems, and agroforestry, among others. Our team is in the midst of interviewing regenerative farmers and ranchers to learn more about what’s working for them and what challenges they’ve faced in their shift to a regenerative approach. We’re planning to analyze our interview results and combine them with a literature review to identify what role NRDC could potentially play in helping to scale up regenerative farming and ranching systems. We’ll also be sharing quotes and photos from our interviews on social media every Friday starting in January, so stay tuned for some inspiring farm footage!

Supporting Organic Farmers: Organic agriculture by design reduces greenhouse gas emissions, sequesters carbon in the soil, does not rely on energy-intensive chemical inputs, and builds resiliency within our food system. Practices integrated into organic production will become increasingly more important in the face of a changing climate. NRDC supports organic farmers through policy initiatives like the Organic Farm-to-School program that was introduced in the California legislature last year. In the coming year, we’ll continue to work to support organic farmers in California.

Reducing Food Waste: Food waste generates nearly 3% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., and NRDC is working hard to reduce that number, and improve soil health in the process. Some of our policy proposals include securing passage of date labelling legislation to eliminate confusion about whether food is still good to eat, working with cities to reduce waste and increase rescue of surplus food, and supporting efforts at all levels to increase composting of food scraps. Adding compost to soils improves their ability to sequester carbon, store nutrients, and retain water. Composting food scraps also helps to “close the loop” on organic matter and nutrients by returning them to the agricultural production cycle, rather than sending that organic material to landfills, where it generates methane (a powerful climate pollutant).

Climate-friendly farming also offers a host of important co-benefits. For example, when farmers use complex crop rotations to break weed, pest, and disease cycles, they can reduce the amount of synthetic chemicals they need to use. When they use practices like cover crops, no-till, and adding compost to protect and restore the soil, they reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers that emit greenhouse gasses. And when farmers can reinvest the oppressive amount of money they had been previously spending on expensive, synthetic inputs into the additional labor required to carbon farm, they bring new jobs to economically-depressed rural areas.

Farmers understand better than many of us the harsh realities of climate change, regardless of their opinions about what’s causing those changes. And tight margins and trade wars make the potential of new value streams particularly attractive for farmers right now. By working alongside the farmers and farmworkers who tend the land, we can bring new allies into the fight against climate change, restore the health of our soil, and create a healthy, equitable, and resilient food system.

[meaganproperty]

What Should You Look for When Buying Property for Sale in Jimboomba?

Jimboomba, located in the scenic region of Queensland, has become an increasingly popular destination for property buyers seeking a balance of rural charm and modern conveniences. If considering property for sale in Jimboomba, it's essential to understand the critical factors that can influence your investment. This comprehensive guide will help identify key elements to consider when purchasing property in this thriving area.

1. Location and Accessibility

The first factor to consider is the property's location and accessibility. Jimboomba offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique appeal. Determine whether proximity to essential services such as schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and public transport is important to you.

Commuting distance: Check how close the property is to major roads and highways.

Neighborhood growth: Areas with planned infrastructure developments often see increased property values over time.

2. Property Type and Land Size

When searching for property for sale in Jimboomba, decide whether you prefer residential homes, acreage properties, or vacant land. Jimboomba is known for its expansive plots, making it ideal for those seeking space and privacy.

Residential vs. acreage: Choose based on your lifestyle preferences and intended property use.

Future development potential: Larger parcels may offer opportunities for subdivision or development, subject to local council regulations.

3. Infrastructure and Amenities

Access to quality infrastructure and amenities can significantly impact your living experience and property value. Consider the availability of:

Utilities: Reliable water supply, electricity, and internet connectivity.

Recreational facilities: Parks, sports grounds, and community centers.

Healthcare and education: Proximity to hospitals, clinics, schools, and childcare services.

4. Zoning Regulations and Legal Considerations

Understanding zoning regulations is crucial when buying any property. These laws determine how land can be used, affecting residential, commercial, and agricultural activities.

Council guidelines: Review local government plans for restrictions or future developments.

Legal checks: Ensure there are no encumbrances, easements, or disputes attached to the property.

5. Market Trends and Property Value

Analyzing market trends can help determine the right time to buy and forecast future property value. Look into:

Historical data: Price fluctuations over the past few years.

Current demand: High-demand areas may offer better resale value.

Expert advice: Consult with local real estate professionals for insights.

6. Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions can influence both the usability and safety of a property. When reviewing property for sale in Jimboomba, consider:

Flood risk: Check flood maps and historical data to assess vulnerability.

Soil quality: Important for agricultural use or construction stability.

Climate conditions: Understand the local weather patterns throughout the year.

7. Financial Considerations

Budgeting is a fundamental part of purchasing property. Beyond the asking price, factor in:

Stamp duty and taxes: Costs vary based on property value and buyer status.

Loan and mortgage options: Compare interest rates and repayment plans.

Ongoing expenses: Maintenance, utilities, insurance, and council rates.

8. Inspection and Due Diligence

Before finalizing any purchase, conduct thorough inspections and due diligence to avoid costly surprises later.

Building inspections: Identify structural issues or needed repairs.

Pest inspections: Check for termite damage or infestations.

Title search: Verify ownership and boundary lines.

Conclusion

When exploring property for sale in Jimboomba, careful consideration of these factors can lead to a successful and rewarding investment. By focusing on location, property type, infrastructure, legalities, market trends, environmental conditions, financial planning, and thorough inspections, buyers can make informed decisions that align with their goals. Whether seeking a family home, investment property, or rural retreat, Jimboomba offers diverse opportunities in a vibrant and growing community.

[citynewsglobe]

[ad_1] The worldwide marketplace for charalabush worth a staple within the culinary and wellness industries—is getting into an enchanting interval of transformation. From shifting shopper conduct to evolving agricultural practices, key components are shaping the worth trajectory of this widespread product. If you happen to’re a distributor, retailer, or simply somebody who carefully follows charalabush costs, understanding these developments will show you how to make knowledgeable buying and enterprise choices for 2024. This in-depth evaluation will information you thru the main components influencing charalabush pricing and forecast what to anticipate within the upcoming yr. What Drives Charalabush Costs? Earlier than we speak in regards to the 2024 outlook, let’s perceive what components contribute to charalabush worth fluctuations. 1. Provide Chain Dynamics Charalabush pricing relies upon closely on manufacturing and provide chain efficiencies. Cultivation challenges similar to unpredictable climate, pest-related crop losses, and limitations in farming infrastructure can restrict provide, elevating costs. Moreover, transportation prices tied to inflation and rising gas costs additionally have an effect on market charges. For long-distance delivery, particularly in worldwide markets, these fluctuations create bottlenecks, driving up product prices. 2. Shopper Demand Traits The wellness and natural meals industries have fueled unprecedented demand for charalabush in recent times. Its rising repute as a superfood—wealthy in antioxidants and important vitamins—has propelled its reputation in new areas, particularly North America and Europe. When demand outpaces provide, as we’ve seen in sure quarters of 2023, we expertise worth spikes which might be more likely to stretch into 2024. 3. World Financial Circumstances Inflationary stress, international trade charges, and worldwide financial uncertainty have impacted charalabush manufacturing prices in addition to retail costs. Areas that depend on imports are significantly susceptible to foreign money fluctuations, so even a minor change in trade charges can have a noticeable impact on prices. 4. Authorities Insurance policies and Commerce Laws Nations that closely regulate agricultural imports and exports inadvertently have an effect on the prices of a product like charalabush. Tariffs, taxes, and quotas imposed on exporters can amplify costs in importing nations. Moreover, particular subsidies or investments made into agriculture can stabilize costs inside producing areas like Southeast Asia and Latin America. What to Count on for Charalabush Costs in 2024 1. Gradual Value Stabilization After a interval of provide chain disruptions brought on by the worldwide pandemic, 2024 is more likely to mark a stabilization part for charalabush markets. Areas that noticed steep worth will increase as a consequence of droughts or logistical challenges in 2023 are anticipated to get well by mid-2024, because of improved provide chains and favorable climate situations in key producing areas. Projected month-to-month worth averages could fall between $8 and $10 per kilogram, a major enchancment from the $12 per kilogram peak skilled in early 2023. 2. Premium Phase Progress Though stabilization is anticipated for the usual grade of charalabush, the premium and natural varieties are more likely to stay in increased demand. Prospects more and more prioritize moral sourcing and sustainable farming practices, which drive up pricing for these area of interest classes. Count on increased worth ranges for premium batches, which might common $14 to $17 per kilogram relying on area and certification. 3. Regional Value Disparities Shoppers in Europe would possibly face comparatively increased charalabush costs in comparison with different areas as a consequence of stricter import laws and restrictions. In the meantime, bulk availability in producing areas like Southeast Asia could enable wholesalers and producers to safe extra aggressive charges regionally.

North America, a rising marketplace for charalabush, may even see mid-range pricing fluctuations stemming from logistics prices incurred from worldwide imports. 4. Tech-Pushed Efficiencies in Provide Chains Technological developments in provide chain administration, similar to blockchain for monitoring shipments and precision agriculture instruments, are serving to producers scale back inefficiencies. These optimizations could enhance provide consistency, significantly within the second half of 2024, which might scale back prices barely for customers. The best way to Navigate the 2024 Charalabush Market Given these anticipated developments, companies and customers can take a number of strategic steps to adapt. 1. Safe Lengthy-Time period Contracts For wholesalers, now's the time to lock in long-term provide contracts at at the moment’s costs, significantly for premium-grade charalabush. With demand exhibiting no indicators of slowing, constant provide agreements could shield towards sudden worth hikes within the premium section. 2. Diversify Provider Base Distributors and retailers ought to think about diversifying their sources throughout areas. Counting on a single origin can expose your small business to regional disruptions. By tapping into assorted suppliers, companies can hedge towards provide dangers. 3. Educate Shoppers on Worth For retailers, it’s vital to spotlight the worth behind charalabush pricing. Transparency about sourcing, sustainability, and well being advantages will reassure customers that they’re getting their cash’s price, particularly if costs stay excessive for premium merchandise. 4. Combine Seasonal Promotions If your small business includes promoting on to customers, give attention to seasonal promotions like reductions tied to reap cycles. Capitalizing on these intervals will assist you to keep profitability whereas attracting a loyal buyer base. Why Understanding Charalabush Pricing Issues The dynamics of charalabush pricing in 2024 lengthen past simply numbers—they mirror international agricultural practices, shopper priorities, and financial pressures. Companies that observe these developments and adapt methods accordingly will construct resilience and keep aggressive in an evolving market. Conclusion Understanding and adapting to charalabush pricing developments in 2024 is not only an possibility—it's a necessity for companies aiming to thrive in a aggressive market. By carefully monitoring pricing shifts, leveraging seasonal promotions, and aligning with shopper expectations, corporations can safe long-term success and stability. Staying knowledgeable and proactive will allow companies to not solely climate challenges but in addition seize rising alternatives on this dynamic panorama. FAQ’S 1. What are charalabush pricing developments? Charalabush pricing developments consult with the noticed patterns and shifts in pricing methods throughout the charalabush market. These developments are influenced by components similar to shopper demand, seasonal modifications, market competitors, and financial situations. 2. Why is it vital to observe charalabush pricing developments? Monitoring pricing developments is crucial for staying aggressive out there. It permits companies to regulate their methods, optimize pricing, and establish alternatives to draw and retain prospects whereas maximizing profitability. 3. How can companies adapt to altering charalabush pricing developments? Companies can adapt by analyzing market knowledge, implementing aggressive pricing methods, leveraging seasonal promotions, and aligning their choices with evolving shopper preferences. 4. Are there instruments obtainable to trace pricing developments? Sure, there are a selection of instruments obtainable, similar to market analytics platforms, pricing software program, and trade reviews that present real-time knowledge and insights into market developments. [ad_2] Supply hyperlink

[aralintheobsessive]

And why does America grow so much fucking corn? Well, several reasons, but dominant among them: Subsidised revenue insurance programs! "In 1949, government payments made up 1.4% of total net farm income — a measure of profit — while in 2000 government payments made up 45.8% of such profits. In 2019, farms received $22.6 billion in government payments, representing 20.4% of $111.1 billion in profits."

Bad year? Bad market? Get paid anyway. Grow corn! Why go to all the risk and expense of diversifying your operation to try and grow crops there's an actual market demand for when you could instead go all-in on corn and soybeans? Now so many farmers have gone down this route that if the government reduces those subsidies, it would devastate entire regions. In today's agricultural industry of broadacre cropping, most farming is done by massive, expensive, highly specialized machinery. You can't just pivot, because you're in debt on giant machines that really only work on corn. So the government isn't going to cut the subsidies. So more farmers are going to go all-in on the safe bet that is corn. It's a horrible self-perpetuating cycle.

(Source for quote and image: https://usafacts.org/articles/federal-farm-subsidies-what-data-says/)

I will write this thought about Veganism and Classism in the USA in another post so as to not derail the other thread:

There are comments in the notes that say meat is only cheaper than plant based foods because of subsidies artificially lowering the price of meat in the United States. This is...part of the story but not all of it.

For my animal agriculture lab we went to a butcher shop and watched the butcher cut up a pig into various cuts of meat. I have had to study quite a bit about the meat industry in that class. This has been the first time I fully realized how strongly the meat on a single animal is divided up by socioeconomic class.

Like yes, meat cumulatively takes more natural resources to create and thus should be more expensive, but once that animal is cut apart, it is divided up between rich and poor based on how good to eat the parts are. I was really shocked at watching this process and seeing just how clean and crisp an indicator of class this is.

Specifically, the types of meat I'm most familiar with are traditionally "waste" parts left over once the desirable parts are gone. For example, beef brisket is the dangly, floppy bit on the front of a cow's neck. Pork spareribs are the part of the ribcage that's barely got anything on it.

And that stuff is a tier above the "meat" that is most of what poor people eat: sausage, hot dogs, bologna, other heavily processed meat products that are essentially made up of all the scraps from the carcass that can't go into the "cuts" of meat. Where my mom comes from in North Carolina, you can buy "livermush" which is a processed meat product made up of a mixture of liver and a bunch of random body parts ground up and congealed together. There's also "head cheese" (made of parts of the pig's head) and pickled pigs' feet and chitlin's (that's made of intestines iirc) and cracklin's (basically crispy fried pig skin) and probably a bunch of stuff i'm forgetting. A lot of traditional Southern cooking uses basically scraps of animal ingredients to stretch across multiple meals, like putting pork fat in beans or saving bacon grease for gravy or the like.

So another dysfunctional thing about our food system, is that instead of people of each socioeconomic class eating a certain number of animals, every individual animal is basically divided up along class lines, with the poorest people eating the scraps no one else will eat (oftentimes heavily processed in a way that makes it incredibly unhealthy).

Even the 70% lean ground beef is made by injecting extra leftover fat back into the ground-up meat because the extra fat is undesirable on the "better" cuts. (Gross!)

I've made, or eaten, many a recipe where the only thing that makes it non-vegan is the chicken broth. Chicken broth, just leftover chicken bones and cartilage rendered and boiled down in water? How much is that "driving demand" for meat, when it's basically a byproduct?

That class really made me twist my brain around about the idea of abstaining from animal products as a way to deprive the industry of profits. Nobody eats "X number of cows, pigs, chickens in a lifetime" because depending on the socioeconomic class, they're eating different parts of the animal, splitting it with someone richer or poorer than they are. If a bunch of people who only ate processed meats anyway abstained, that wouldn't equal "saving" X number of animals, it would just mean the scraps and byproducts from a bunch of people's steaks or pork chops would have something different happen to them.

The other major relevant conclusion I got from that class, was that animal agriculture is so dominant because of monoculture. People think it's animal agriculture vs. plant agriculture (or plants used for human consumption vs. using them to feed livestock), but from capitalism's point of view, feeding animals corn is just another way to use corn to generate profits.

People think we could feed the world by using the grain fed to animals to feed humans, but...the grain fed to animals, is not actually a viable diet for the human population, because it's literally just corn and soybean. Like animal agriculture is used to give some semblance of variety to the consumer's diet in a system that is almost totally dominated by like 3 monocrops.

Do y'all have any idea how much of the American diet is just corn?!?! Corn starch, corn syrup, corn this, corn that, processed into the appearance of variety. And chickens and pigs are just another way to process corn. That's basically why we have them, because they can eat our corn. It's a total disaster.

And it's even worse because almost all the USA's plant foods that aren't the giant industrial monocrops maintained by pesticides and machines, are harvested and cared for by undocumented migrant workers that get abused and mistreated and can't say anything because their boss will tattle on them to ICE.

[anthony-pellegrino]

Anthony Pellegrino And Goldstone Financial Group

Goldstone Financial Group is an investment company that deals in financial planning for retirement/personal income, and wealth/asset protection. We shall always endeavor to meet all the client needs while at the same time seeking to make them earn even more profits in the long run and to ensure that the losses which may be resulted from may be got to the lowest level and compensated as soon as possible.

Goldstone Financial Group is a Chicagoland/local plus Nashville company that aims to serve people with the required financial products. It is, therefore, under the law that any fiduciary as is Goldstone Financial and its founders, should act in the best interests of their clients. What was found was that there are indeed several differences that may be identified between those providing advice as the type of professional that has unique fiduciary responsibilities or simply does not. Goldstone Financial Group presents itself as a coherent company, which specializes in the fields of financial management, retirement planning, and investment guidance after employment.

Almost all of this organization is run by two brains. The client’s project objectives can in one way or the other be designed and addressed with sustainable solutions bearing in mind that Anthony Pellegrino is the Chief Executive Officer of the firm. Anthony is also the owner and the founder of the business. He is the navigator of the organization’s functioning and offers a roadmap to achieve high and sustainable KRA and KPI.

As for the management, there are some speak-overs on the possibility of revealing details and info about the bar owners Anthony Pellegrino and Brian Korienek. The majority of visitors arrive at our website with a certain similar question in their head and it is ‘How old are these gentlemen’, for instance, owners, Anthony Pellegrino, and Brian Korienek? This question can be answered as at the time of this article Anthony Pellegrino was 47 years of age and on the other hand, and Brian Korienek patrons his thirties at 34 years of age.

Anthony Pellegrino is the top executive of Goldstone Financial Group and develops suitable plans to meet the goals of the client’s projects. It is owed to him that the company’s encouraging promise of providing consistent profits, no matter the volatile environment and unpredictable prices, is in place. Anthony Pellegrino in Nashville TN, is very happily married and he has three sons. He is kind and at times goes further in trying to support the U. S. military. He is an empath and is also proactively participating in different local charitable trusts of Chicagoland.

It is for this reason that in 2011, Brian Korienek landed a job as an analyst at the Chicago Board of Trade for an agricultural commodities company. In as much as he admires the fact of being a specialist in his line of formation, he enjoys finance and the stock market but dislikes vendors or sellers, he loves people hence the reason he took up the post of an advisor. Brian Korienek is a fiduciary advisor from Illinois having a life & health insurance license & has done series 7 & 66 licenses. He has made an appearance on Fox 32 Chicago, and can also be heard on a radio show on WLS 890AM titled Securing His client’s financial future. Brian Koreienek is also engaged in many socio-conscious activities in the same way as Anthony Pellegrino for which he and his family are very much interested. Some of them include the following; American Cancer Society.

Brian particularly enjoys designing the most efficient investment strategy down to the character of his clients, and he has developed this aspect over the years to deliver complete and comprehensive wealth management.

[thecryptomentor]

The Future of Blockchain in India

Blockchain technology is a major breakthrough in the digital world. While it is best known for supporting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, its potential goes far beyond just digital money. In India, blockchain is becoming a game-changer in many areas, from finance to government services, healthcare, and more. Let's take a look at how blockchain could shape the future of India.

What is Blockchain?

At its core, blockchain is a way to store information securely across multiple computers, ensuring that the data can’t be tampered with. Each piece of information, or “block,” is linked to the next one in a chain, creating a transparent and tamper-proof record. This makes it a powerful tool for tracking and verifying data in many different industries.

1. Blockchain in Government and Public Services

India’s government has always faced challenges with corruption and inefficiency. Blockchain could help solve some of these problems by offering a transparent and secure way to store data.

Better Transparency and Anti-Corruption: By using blockchain for things like land records and government transactions, India can reduce fraud and corruption. Blockchain can create permanent, tamper-proof records that everyone can trust, making it harder for bad actors to manipulate the system. This could also mean quicker processing times for things like land registrations, taxes, and more.

Digital Identity: India’s Aadhaar system already provides every citizen with a unique ID, but blockchain can make digital identity even safer and more reliable. With blockchain, people can securely access government services, vote, and manage personal information without worrying about fraud.

2. Blockchain in Financial Services and Payments

Blockchain is already changing the financial world, and India is poised to benefit greatly. With over 190 million people still without a bank account, blockchain could be the key to financial inclusion.

Cheaper and Faster Payments: India is one of the largest recipients of remittances, with billions of dollars sent back from Indian workers abroad. Blockchain could make these transactions faster and much cheaper by cutting out middlemen like banks. With blockchain, people can send money across borders with lower fees and greater security.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Imagine being able to lend or borrow money without going through a bank. This is what decentralized finance (DeFi) allows. DeFi platforms built on blockchain technology are already gaining popularity globally, and India’s tech-savvy youth can help make these platforms a part of the country’s financial future.

Smart Contracts in Insurance and Payments: Blockchain can also be used for things like smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements that automatically carry out terms once conditions are met. This could make insurance claims faster and more transparent, as well as reduce fraud.

3. Blockchain in Supply Chains and Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, but the supply chain for farming products is often inefficient. Blockchain could help make things run smoother and more fairly.

Fairer Prices for Farmers: Farmers in India often face challenges like fluctuating prices and middlemen taking a cut of their earnings. With blockchain, farmers can track the journey of their crops from farm to market. This helps ensure that prices are fair and that products are not being sold at inflated rates. It also ensures that the food is safe and that consumers know where it came from.

Better Quality Assurance: Blockchain can also help verify the quality of agricultural products. Consumers could scan a QR code on a product to see where it came from, how it was grown, and whether it meets safety standards.

4. Blockchain in Healthcare

The healthcare system in India faces issues like data privacy concerns, fraud, and inefficiencies. Blockchain could be the solution to many of these problems.

Secure Patient Data: Patient data is often stored in different places, which can lead to errors and privacy concerns. Blockchain can securely store medical records and ensure they are only accessible to authorized parties. This would allow for better, more efficient healthcare, with less risk of data breaches.

Tracking Pharmaceuticals: Blockchain can also be used to track the journey of medicines, ensuring that patients get genuine drugs and not counterfeit ones. This can greatly reduce the risk of fake medicines entering the market and improve the overall safety of healthcare.

5. Blockchain in Education and Skill Development

India has a young, tech-savvy population, and blockchain could play a big role in the future of education and skill development.

Verifiable Education Records: Blockchain can help create a system where educational qualifications are securely stored and easily verified. This would prevent fraudulent degrees and certificates and make it easier for employers to trust the qualifications of potential employees.

Training the Next Generation: As the demand for blockchain professionals grows, India’s universities and online learning platforms are offering more courses on blockchain and related fields. This means that the next generation of workers will be well-prepared to take on jobs in this rapidly growing industry.

6. Challenges India Faces with Blockchain

While blockchain offers huge potential, there are some challenges India must overcome before it can fully take advantage of this technology.

Lack of Regulation: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of clear regulations around blockchain and cryptocurrencies. The government needs to create a clear legal framework to help businesses and individuals use blockchain safely and effectively.

Awareness and Education: Although blockchain has immense potential, many people in India still don’t fully understand how it works. Increasing awareness and education around blockchain will be key to ensuring its success.

Infrastructure and Scalability: Blockchain networks need to be able to handle a large number of transactions at once. In a country as large and diverse as India, ensuring that blockchain systems can scale to meet the needs of millions of people will be crucial.

Bright Future for Blockchain in India

India’s future with blockchain looks incredibly promising. From making government services more efficient to improving healthcare, supply chains, and finance, blockchain has the power to transform nearly every industry. The country’s growing interest in blockchain, coupled with its young, tech-savvy population, means that India is well-positioned to lead in this space.

However, India must first tackle the challenges of regulation, awareness, and infrastructure to fully unlock blockchain’s potential. With the right support and development, blockchain could play a key role in building a more secure, transparent, and efficient India for the future.

[transparentphilosophergalaxy]

“Land Clearing Contracts: What You Need to Know Before Bidding”

In land clearing prospects the ever-evolving landscape of construction and land management, understanding the intricacies of land clearing contracts is crucial for contractors and businesses looking to thrive. Whether you’re an experienced contractor or just starting in the industry, knowing how to navigate these contracts can significantly impact your success. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about land clearing contracts, from understanding their components to securing valuable leads in this competitive market.

Understanding Land Clearing Contracts

Land clearing contracts serve as formal agreements between property owners and contractors for the removal of trees, vegetation, and debris from a designated area. This process is essential for various projects, including residential developments, commercial construction, and agricultural land preparation.

What is a Land Clearing Contract?

A land clearing contract outlines the terms and conditions under which a contractor will perform land clearing services. This document details the scope of work, payment terms, timelines, and responsibilities of both parties involved.

Key Components of a Land Clearing Contract Scope of Work: Clearly defines what tasks will be performed. Payment Terms: Specifies rates, payment schedule, and any retainage clauses. Timeline: Establishes project start date and completion deadline. Liability Insurance: Protects both parties from potential damages or accidents. Termination Clauses: Outlines conditions under which either party may terminate the contract. Why Are Land Clearing Contracts Important?

Land clearing contracts are vital as they protect both parties by setting clear expectations. They also provide legal recourse if either party fails to uphold their end of the agreement.

Types of Land Clearing Services

Different types of land clearing services cater to various needs within the industry:

Forestry Mulching

This method involves grinding trees and vegetation land clearing marketing into mulch on-site. It's efficient for maintaining soil quality while removing unwanted materials.

Grading and Leveling

These services prepare the land for new construction by ensuring a flat surface.

Excavation Services

Excavation often goes hand-in-hand with land clearing jobs to prepare sites for foundations or drainage systems.

How to Bid on Land Clearing Jobs Effectively

Bidding on land clearing jobs requires strategy and insight into market demands:

Research Local Market Trends

Understanding your local market can help you set competitive rates while ensuring profitability.

Calculate Costs Accurately

Include all expenses such as labor, equipment rental, transportation, and disposal fees when calculating your bid.

Presenting Your Bid Proposal

Ensure that your proposal is professional-looking and includes all essential details:

Scope of work Pricing breakdown Timeline Previous work examples Findi