Government suspected of price
CHICAGO, HI. - A poll, conducted by International
Harvester’s FARM FORUM Magazine, indicates that
almost three-quarters of farmers polled believe that the
U.S. Government is actively involved in manipulating the
prices farmers receive for the products they sell.
A total of 46 per cent believe that the U.S. will have a
serious shortage of food within the next two to 10 years.
These and other conclusions are based on a random
campling of 1000 U.S. farmers who voiced their opinions
on a variety of questions concerning food prices
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Box 67, Intercourse, Pa. 17534
After 5 P.M.
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In response to the question, “Do you believe the U.S.
Government is actively involved in manipulating the
prices farmers receive for the products they sell,” 72 per
cent responded yes. Another 22 per cent felt there was
“some involvement.” Only 5 per cent'said there was little
or no manipulation by the government.
When asked whether they felt food processors,
wholesalers and-or retailers were involved in price
fixing, 60 per cent felt food processors did engage in price
fixing, 54 per cent felt wholesalers did, and 47 per cent
believed retailers were involved. And 56 per cent of those
interviewed felt that processors and food manufacturers
were receiving more than their fair share of the consumer
food dollar, while less than one per cent felt the farmer
was receiving a fair share.
With the high price of food a major concern for most
people, some 34 per cent of the respondents felt that in
creasing prices of farm products has hurt the image of the
fanner. More than a third (36 per cent) felt it had
somewhat hurt the fanner’s image, and 23 per cent felt it
had very little effect.
Despite the fact that the farmers blame processors,
wholesalers and retailers for price fixing and receiving
more than their fair share of the consumer food dollar, 50
per cent of the farmers believe that consumers blame the
fanner for increasing costs. The farmers believe that
government officials have the greatest influence on food
prices.
Which one of the following do you believe has the most
influence on food prices?
Government officials
Commodity speculators
Processors
Retailers
Wholesalers
Consumers
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manipulation
Less than one per cent felt that fanners have the
greatest influence. In most farmers’ minds, consumer
boycotts have very little effect in lowering retail food
prices. In response to the question, “Are consumer
boycotts effective in lowering prices of food at the retail
level,” the farmers answered as follows
Definitely lower prices
Somewhat
Very little
No effect
No, they actually increase prices
On the other hand, some 43 per cent of the farmers felt
that consumer boycotts definitely depress the prices
farmers receive at the farm level. And 34 per cent felt
these actions “somewhat” depress prices.
An alarming percentage (21 per cent) of the farmers
said they were getting discouraged and might give up
farming if the present trend for operating costs and
market prices continues. Nine per cent felt they could only
hang on for one more year. But almost half - 45 per cent -
felt they would make it somehow, even though times are
tough.
When asked if they felt the U.S. would have a serious
food shortage in the very near future, the farmers
responded as follows:
Yes, next 2 or 3 years 11 per cent
Yes, next 5 years 17 per cent
Yes, next 10 years 18 per cent
Yes, next 15 years 11 per cent
Not in this century 27 per cent
No, U.S. always will have plenty of food 14 per cent
Perhaps most important tor the consumer, when asked
if food prices at the retail level would rise or fall in the
next 12 months, the fanners responded
Rise 21-30 per cent
Rise 11-20 percent
Rise 1-10 per cent
Stay the same
Fall 1-10 per cent
Fall 11-20 per cent
38 per cent
19 per cent
18 per cent
12 per cent
8 per cent
8 per cent
1 per cent
Yet despite the fanners’ distrust of government in
fluences and policies in agriculture; their feelings that
processors, wholesalers and retailers are involved in
price fixing; and their belief that the farmer is not
receiving his fair share of the consumer dollar spent on
food; the majority indicated a desire and an intent to
remain in farming and do their best to insure that the U.S.
would not face a food shortage.
Penn Willow elects officers,
The Penn Willow 4-H club Lancaster R 6; Teresa
recently held its first- Dagen, Lancaster R 6; and
meeting of the year to Donna Walton, Conestoga
reorganize and elect of- Rl.
ficers. Jay Irwin, Lancaster The group’s annual clean-
County Extension Agent, up of trash will be held May
attended the meeting. 6. Members will meet at the
The new officers are as Conestoga United Methodist
follows: Sandy Dagen, Church at 6:30 p.m. They
Lancaster R 6, president; plan to clear trash from the
Teresa Dagen, Lancaster sides ef roads in the vicinity
R 6, vice president; Donna of Conestoga, Marticville,
Walton, Conestoga Rl, and New Danville. A 1 Goss,
secretary; Lorraine Huber, Pequea Rl, is in charge of
and Brenda Huntzinger, the project.
Conestoga Rl, song and A
game leaders, and Pam | |\Y A
Goss, Pequea Rl, news _
reporter. CLASSIF ED
Representatives of the
Lancaster County 4-H
Council are: Sandy Dagen, •
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Ask about our new FARMOWNER'S policy It is
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area.
BOWMAN’SJNSURANCE AGENCY,
13 W Main SI, Palmyra, Pa
CULLEN INSURANCE AGENCY,
R D. 2, Oxford, Pa
PAUL F. DIEHM,
24 S. Broad St.. Lrttfct/Pa.
ROY E. BAILEY,
Box 26, Tower City, Pa.
Lancaster Farming. Saturday, May 7,1977
Old Guard
"I ru tni of I armcrs smc( ]8 ( )b "
93
17 per cent
27 per cent
33 per cent
10 percent
13 per cent
3 per cent
15 percent
55 per cent
13 per cent
11 per cent
1 per cent