[berdie]

I saw this on the news and was shouting at the t.v. (I do that alot).

It was pure propoganda. It even had the obligatory sobbing lady who used to do the job.

There are many good solutions on this thread. But I wonder why Mr. Blackberry farmer doesn’t get off his duff and pick at least some the crop himself? Coming from an ag background..I would before I let the entire crop rot.

Or is there crop insurance available for 20 acres of blackberries?

[La Enchiladita]

I saw this on the news and was shouting at the t.v.

I don't shout at the TV as much as I sneer at it, or just click off.... LOL.

[Texan]

I wonder why Mr. Blackberry farmer doesn’t get off his duff and pick at least some the crop himself?

Don't know the age/health of this particular farmer but the median age at the grower convention we attend yearly is over 55. And I believe that holds true nationwide. Mr Blackberry farmer wouldn't get very far handpicking a 20 acre field alone.

Young people aren't going into agribusiness unless by inheritance. And most not even then. It takes too many acres, too much capital, too much risk, and too hard a work to be profitable. The only way a young person stays in farming is if he LOVES it inspite of the difficulties. (And it helps to have a wife with an off the farm job :-). Or is there crop insurance available for 20 acres of blackberries?

I assume you mean government subsidys. Ahhh, don't get me started. :-(. I could be wrong but I don't believe there is a government subsidy for blackberries.