WHY I DON'T SUPPORT AG SUBSIDIES!!

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Thanks for all your great comments guys. Many people have been asking about different forms of raising capital, be it, crowd funding, credit unions, ect. It's something I wrote about in my book and talk about in my lectures, so I'll make a video soon about the different organizations I've seen and have some experience with.

[@1ACORNLAWN]

Quoting Andrew Brietbart funny...The point that culture changes politics is true...but i do not need an extreme right wing provoking view to understand this..great videos... keep teaching....careful who you idolize.

[@edhorsegolfer4784]

My uncle in south Georgia passed away this past decade. He grew enough corn for his cattle and hogs. The rest of his land paid him subsidies. He had enough land and got a big enough check that he didn't grow for 3 decades. I always scratched my head on that 1.

[@fastrivers812]

Curtis, I totally agree and appreciate that you shared this. There are hidden ripple effects from subsidies that many people don't realize. Case in point: Iowa's land prices since 2007 is about 4 to 5 times higher today because of subsidies. In 2005 the state govt. began participating in ethanol production by giving subsidies to farmers. To the farmers at the time, this was a great win because it was easy money. Shortly after, corn prices started increasing causing livestock prices to increase thus causing food price increases. Hand in hand then land values increased year after year more than double the inflation rate at or above 10%. Now, for a person desiring to get out of their daily job and buy a farm it's extremely expensive and for those that have been farming they have bit themselves in the rear because, the subsidy that once helped them is preventing them from expanding their current operations because they can't afford the land. I guarantee this, if this doesn't level off large corporations will start buying land and commercializing it and the average person will ever have access. It has been reported that billionaires have already been doing this very thing all over the country.

[@MIgardener]

I couldn't agree more Curtis. They lower the price of vegetables beyond what is normally sustainable for us small guys to make a living on. Not to mention like you said, the government wants to change the food we grow and the food we eat, and with what you and I do, the government would never help us guys out.

[@tjz19d]

Agreed 100%. Smaller governement is what we need.

[@KcarlMarXs]

"Smaller government" this is quite an overloaded term, what does this mean to you?

[@tjz19d]

I believe in less governement oversight, less regulation for small business, no subsidize across the board, less taxes and no governement mandates on insurance. Small business owners need a level playing field to grow.

[@butchg3932]

+tjz19d I think we're on the same page thank you for your comments and feedback sometimes people talk too much and not enough action I agree may your Farm and your life be prosperous

[@tjz19d]

Thank you butch same to you.

[@desimercenary]

man, heard you're early morning rant(as I watch all your videos), and I loved it. :-) and I got to share it. couldn't agree more. you the man.

[@Innis1921]

Enjoyed this video. Agree with your approach. 100 to 120 years ago there was government support. It was called Homestead Act. It helped some farmers, but it also created problems in some of the dry areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Much of the Palliser Triangle should have been left as grassland. Because the Homestead Act and government encouragement many farmers moved to the Palliser Triangle to grain farm. There were no trees to clear and for a few years they did well growing grain. Then the dry years of the 30's came and the soils started blowing away. John Palliser's prediction came true. Farmers left the dry areas in droves. Government should have had listened to Palliser and also used a little common sense: "If it was good for bison, it should work for cattle, not grain crops".

[@TRUFIVE50]

When we take money from the government, we grant them the right to tell us what to do. "...the borrower is the slave of the lender."

[@tjz19d]

Exactly!

[@TJLawJX]

They unfortunately assume the right whether you take money or not.

[@TRUFIVE50]

Yes. That's true. But we don't have to give the right up willingly! We can do what we are doing right here: Having thoughtful, intelligent, respectful discussion of ideas. Thank you, Curtis, for creating the opportunity for that type of discussion!

[@diegoasales]

BEST VIDEO EVER!!!!! A true Libertarian! Congratulations!

[@atticusnow131]

Dito bro. Dito.

[@HeliosWorksAV]

Great video. Practical farmer, practical worldview. In Thailand here, we've learned these lessons the hard way. Thank you.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Thanks for that. What are some examples of how government subsidies have effected farmers there in Thailand?

[@HeliosWorksAV]

Between 2011-2014 the previous government offered an absurdly high subsidy for rice farmers in an attempt to win the 2011 election. They won, but when the subsidies were put in action, there was a race to produce as much tonnage as possible with quality taking second priority. Self-interested middlemen and people within the previous government skimmed or outright raided the funds, created black markets once prices were skewed, and by 2013, the fund was bankrupt leaving nearly a million farmers with their rice already sitting in government warehouses, but no payment for the rice delivered. Many were plunged into debt, some even resorted to suicide. That government was removed from power, and the current government is paying out money only as a last resort, encouraging instead self-sufficient farming, crop diversity, and better access for farmers to markets. I should also add that those farmers who diversified their crops, kept savings, and refused to depend on the subsidies, survived the crisis pretty well. Even today, they are still making a living because they refused to rely on the handouts and opted for self-sufficiency as promoted by late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a huge promoter of organic, localized agriculture for 70 years.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Thank you for sharing. Great information. Unfortunate circumstances.

[@HeliosWorksAV]

We're actually combining what was promoted for years here and helped farmers survive the crisis with modern methods described by farmers like yourself to help those caught up in this get out of debt and establish better and more sustainable business practices. I really appreciate the work you are doing and specifically your sharing of it online, it is making a real difference, literally around the world.

[@mejohannes71]

It's great to hear from your heart! Hearing what motivates you and hearing your perspectives are just as important to me as hearing how to get my radishes to sprout!

[@xtwoxasxonex]

Thank you soooo much for making this video. I am a tax auditor that consults with small businesses and I tell them all the time not to "sell out" and show them how to get funding, tax breaks, etc in other areas. Keep up the great work Curtis!

[@Bigcedartrader]

Curtis,It is refreshing for me to hear your thoughts. I just retired in August and am 72 years old. I grew up on a small farm in Texas. I was working in the cotton fields at 5 and did not have indoor plumbing until I was 15. I am back on the farm I grew up on now and am starting to do what you are doing, but I am doing it on my family farm. I am fortunate that I don't have a mortgage and have my own land. But, I admire what you are doing. I am doing what you are doing in that I am not spending my retirement for the startup. I am doing it a little at a time. I got that from my parents a long time ago. I was taught that you need to be independent. I had some bad times, but I have never got a check from the government until I got my first Social Security check. Really felt weird, but guess if you work for 60 plus years and pay taxes, then it is alright to get something back. Just got my Jang seeder yesterday and will buy what I need a little at a time. The good part is I have never had to back up to get a paycheck. Keep on doing what you are doing. I got your book and it is inspiring.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@1voluntaryist]

I am 74 and never gave in to govt. I realized it was a scam in 1954 at 12 and gave up a paycheck to go into business for myself to avoid taxes. I am self sufficient, independent, and I did it despite govt. robbing me along the way. I overcame the popular myths by study/thinking. It's not easy after all the public school indoctrination and main stream media propaganda. I started organic gardening in 1956 when it was considered "anti-sciencitific" and foolish. I started preventative medicine and homeopathy in 1957 when it was considered "regressive" and dangerous to health. I boycotted refined anti-foods, e.g., white sugar, white flour, white rice. I have never regretted my non-conformity. I thought for myself, and it paid off. It didn't bother me when people laughed at me because I didn't get my self esteem from others. I trusted my mind, my reasoned beliefs.

[@joecactus91]

This advice is pure gold and so timely. Im not gonna waste any more time researching grants. Looking forward to more videos about financing new small farms.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

You're in luck. Tomorrow's video is titled "5 WAYS TO RAISE CAPITAL WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT"

[@bozona1mm]

Couldn't agree with you more Curtis! As a self employed sign shop owner, who also tried and failed to get some help from the government when we first started, I also feel that we are much better off doing it on our own. Keep the very informative and well done videos coming. My favorite hobby is gardening and you have taught me so much since I have subscribed to your chanel. Thanks from the eastern shore.

[@VeganMomVie]

LOVED THIS!!!!! Well done, Curtis :) You are one brave man to speak your mind on this topic. I've been saying the same thing for years too. I'd love to see a world where the gvt doesn't interfere w/ the free market by subsidizing ag, particularly the meat, egg and dairy industries, as well as giant corporations like Monstanto, Sargento, etc... We are taxed WAY too much, and then our hard earned money goes to these corporations and industries that some of us would never support if we had a choice not to! You're so right about monetary incentives influencing decisions! Just look at the way mono-culture has run rampant, and in many ways, taken over the farm and ag land: blueberry fields for miles (non-organic to boot) for example, and that's b/c of both politicians and policy stating that those kinds of "investments" are sound and "bonafide" and new ideas or small organic veggie farmers aren't. The Canadian (as well as the U.S.) gvt is so slanted towards mono-culture and pushes farmers towards crops & methods that are "proven", & that come with a large overhead or investment; almost like they want the farmer to become dependant on them....or at least to get into debt for a very long time! But so many farmers fall for it b/c they get duped into believing the "experts" .... It's sad b/c we'll be feeling the repercussions of these decisions for a long time as well as dealing with the consequences of so much mono-culture, pollution from livestock and pesticides, etc. Maybe you're right though, maybe we need to show society that better food can be grown and that organic farmers CAN make a good living despite all the bs that we face and how well we can do all without gvt aid nor subsidies. Maybe we need to be boycotting the industries that are subsidized more (when possible) and supporting those who refuse to take a cent.

[@texgal4928]

Curtis right on! This is the best video. I dig what you're saying about changing the culture and becoming less "fragile". Every entrepreneurial endeavor involves risk and we have to be willing to take risk and fail at times and take responsibility for those failures and then crack on as they say in England. If we have faith in ourselves and in what we're doing, and in our free market system, we can change things. Wish there were a bigger thumbs up I could use.

[@816viking8]

one of your very best videos yet. the fruit is always sweeter when you yourself grow it.

[@jesseknox9322]

Thank you for this video Curtis! people need to listen to this and use critical thinking when they want more from the government and realize the consequences of demanding more PREACH BROTHER!

[@ianrothermund1510]

It's incredible to hear someone have libertarian, conservative economic ideas and actually include the words "research," or "case study." That doesn't happen a lot in the US, and I think that definitely hurts the legitimacy of their message. This isn't me either agreeing or disagreeing, but I think Curtiss has a great perspective where you could actually talk with him and it's about ideas and practical application; not dogma.

[@jameshathcock8891]

Thank you so much for this Mr.Stone your quote "Killed by too much money" is dead on in my very limited experience. I interned at an expanding Aquaponics facility over the summer going into my last year of college and that's exactly what I felt was happening to them everyday. We need more anti fragile small farmers! Thank you so much for your videos and please keep them going!

[@brucecampbell6133]

Thanks for stepping up onto your produce crate! Entrepreneurial spirit and personal passion are powerful drivers for culture change and the example you set is inspiring!

[@MrEndzo]

It's true for agriculture and also other government intervention in peoples life.

[@Ruben00021]

More than 50% of the entire budget of the EU goes to subsidies for farmers. There are virtually no farmers in the EU that are profitable without gouvernment funding. In fact, many farmers aren't profitable even with gouvernment funding. All their cash goes to paying off loans for land, machinery and buildings. They try to sit it out and if they manage to keep their head above water untill their retirement, they can sell everything and get a decent amount of money for it. If they're lucky enough to stay alive for long enough after their retirement, they might even enjoy that money a bit. Not a very attractive deal if you ask me.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

+Ruben00021 yes, you nailed it. This is why we need to change the culture of dependence. Dependant farmers breeds a culture of slaves. It's entirely by design if you ask me.

[@VeganMomVie]

Yep, slavery....you hit the nail on the head there....

[@boasa]

Ruben00021 more than 50% is quite the exaggeration. The actual percentage is just 30% and continues falling.

[@bennyg5431]

here in australia, our only ag subsidies are for extreme natural disasters. we are an efficient producer and major exporter. (but i'm not qualified to speculate on any possible cause/correlation) however, i managed to get into a general small business course, similar to the one you mentioned, which provides $300/week for 9 months. this allowed me to get started sooner, with less capital. they liked my business plan, which i basically got from your book - so um thanks i guess. ;) here, one can remain on unemployment (the dole), almost indefinitely, and there is a huge culture of dependance, knowing there is always a safety net. it makes me feel slightly better about taking the govt.'s money to make frugal purchases, and dig up my friend's couch grass lawn

[@poponon]

Man thanks for sharing everything that you do. Great argument for strengthening culture you put forward here. Very motivating stuff.

[@10yearvet]

Excellent! Agree with all. You say it and bring it together much better than I do.

[@surfdukeflorence]

Agree 100%... Government is hitting rock bottom as far as any real solutions. Yet, all we see is government wanting us to be more and more dependent on it. Great topic! Thank you.

[@eschewvice453]

Absolutely outstanding Curtis!

[@handgman]

Curtis! You are the man. No wonder you are successful. You have all the pieces together. I am surprised you are not American. I always thought of canadians as different. Non-government participant, innovator, frugal, nonfragility. You have the bottom up approach which is very good. Some want a top down approach which really festers a dependant attitude if not an entitlement mentality. You are a breath of fresh air. Every since I bought your book and are watching your videos it is no wonder you are successful. Really thought you could be on top of many smaller operations reaking off profits that way. But you are so busy as you are, you are a revolution in yourself. I guess it all started with elliot did it not? So he was really in on steering the revolution into getting more out of smaller spaces without government intervention and all of the chemicals and such. Good job Curtis. I wonder where you will end up with all of your ideas.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Thanks for that. It did start with Eliot Coleman on the farming end, but Joel Salatin has been a huge inspiration for me on the philosophical and political end.

[@VeganMomVie]

I'm sure Curtis enjoyed your comment, except for the "I'm surprised you are not American" crack! Ouch man! Do you think that only the U.S. produces ppl of intelligent thought, decent ideas and articulate speech? Check yourself bro.... ;)

[@handgman]

sorry for the misunderstanding. Watching his videos it seemed to me that he was an American in another land. If that is bad to say sorry is all I can say. I guess I expected Curtis to have an accent like JP. From speaking a lot of french. From my total inexperience with Canadians I would have to say sorry for my mistake. Taking American ideas and putting them to work in Canada or australia or england all are great things. I think the way curtis is working is great. I think he has harvested the best farming ideas from the world and put them to work in his corner of the world. Fine tuning and adding his creativity to the approach and sharing it with the world. He has done a great service for mankind in showing anyone can feed themselves better. I wish I could do it. I have been fighting cancer for over 10 years trying to grow the best garden I possibly could. Take Curtis method and scale it down for an individual or a small family and you could have a great diet and a fabulous way to be well and be free from disease. Thanks for your response.

[@handgman]

Joel Salatin is very inspirational to me. I would really like to try it on a smaller scale.

[@jfc4039]

Thanks for the insight Curtis. I needed to here this side of it all.

[@Travis_Walton88]

That was awesome bro. Great video can't wait to see you in New Zealand next year.

[@NotExactView]

I totally agree, the balance of self responsibility versus dependency, the world seem to shift in the wrong direction when people expect something out of nothing. it is the action and dedication of hard work that can lead every person forward.

[@oregonbear541]

Well said... your success and continued operation confirms what you say... Well done ...

[@bojames3677]

Love this. Couldn't agree more, thanks for all of your work and videos.. I'm going to school and looking into urban farming.

[@Nuganics]

Good to see you speaking about this issue. This is very unique in this area. With this attitude I am sure you will go places.

[@matthewrawson174]

Another great video couldn't agree more in the UK there's a ridiculous amount of subsidises. some are for good regarding assistance to grow hedgerows and for leaving areas of fields for wildlife etc but many aren't as they create too much dependency. keep up the good work ! regards from Nottingham England !

[@Rootedandreaching]

so true mr. stone. thank you for your honesty and fidelity. as a 3rd generation Farmer and first generation urban farmer, I know that autonomous funding and collaboration is the way for us to be able to be farmers.

[@atticusnow131]

Curtis, your "O.G." (Original Gansta) Points have risen exponentially in my books. In my culture, we refer to people like you as a "SHUJAA". It means Warrior in Kiswahili. I am a diligent student of your teachings & will spread the word through my actions. KUDOS!

[@MickeySmithVerified]

Aunty Fridgility is my uncle's greatest complaint. ;) Keep it up Curtis. Great points.

[@qualqui]

Agreed! At the turn of the century my gramps emigrated north to Texas, quickly went to work as as sharecropper, while his kids grew up a bit, he had to hire helping hands, once his kids were elementary school aged, everybody pitched in with the farm work! Thumbs up Curtis, keep up them IRIE Vibes! :)

[@gigigaga4933]

Thank you, that just made my day!keep on growing!

[@edwardjames6911]

Can I get an Amen! Great stuff Curtis. Thanks for your passion.

[@ajamant3716]

Speaking the PAINFUL truth people. Let's be real, if the government was any other business they would of went bankrupt MANY years ago. Keep up the strong work.

[@unsilentzone3357]

the gov IS bankrupt lol. almost every country in the world is deep in debt

[@7676MMM]

big thumbs up couldn't have said it better

[@vendingo]

Love this video, Curtis! This is so important for newcomers that are hyper-focused on obtaining the most gov assistance for everything. Let's change this entitled behavior! Thank you.

[@interestingyoutubechannel1]

I'm always glad to hear views that differ from my own. Curtis, any investment whether from the state, 3rd sector organizations, private investment etc. comes with conditions & agendas, and it's up to the farmer to weigh up these and make a decision as to the best course of action. Not all "intervening" from government is necessarily bad, as you said with nuance about the green rev. Just to point out 1 last thing - you can measure how democratic a society is by how enthusiastic/glad/overjoyed people are about paying their taxes. Human nature covers both the individualist instinct and the social cohesion instincts, which *should* (but usually doesn't) be the whole point of taxes.

[@HladniSjeverniVjetar]

Spot on, be the change you want to see.

[@canadianrenegade39]

I agree with you 100%. We need to just go out and innovate and show that this stuff works without relying on a government crutch.

[@TheJunkyardgenius]

Canadas government will change the day Curtis decides to run for power!

[@portiaholliday8741]

TV, in my opinion has ruined many people. They sit and expect a show. In my gardening club today I said lets have one of our members give her talk about day lilies. The group decided that they had already heard her "talk" and they want to move on to someone else with a "new" talk. There was NO concern for lessons learned about the lilies and trying to perfect it. This also happened in another garden club I belong to. No one wanted to hear from a member who gardens in our soil and has a deep passion for the flower. They wanted something "new" in-spite of lessons learned? They prefer to have some outsider come speak to our group who does not know our growing conditions. I also recommended that we "sheet mulch" in the garden's public garden, but this was not a popular idea either. Gardening is a skill that requires practice and re-iteration, but no one seems to be interested in that everyone just wants to be entertained in these gardening clubs:(

[@impseeder5756]

Same with "Master Gardeners". Maybe 70+ in our county, maybe 5-6 serious. One working on food. Ask them a question and they Google it.

[@portiaholliday8741]

Yes, I held up a picture of my orange Nasturtium and asked what the flower was. The closest guess was its old fashioned and my grandmother used to grow it.

[@steveonnetflix]

im with you my market garden is starting small but one step at a time

[@RaisedByTheMostHigh]

Great info, thanks for your time and energy

[@craigclark6139]

i with you i pushing my self i habe too find a job till spring i am looking inti micro greens. any tips

[@Stella77_7]

Finally a fellow farmer that sees the threat to Farmers that subtidies are. We need a True Free Market that pays farmers the real price of the product they produce. I personally have not taken a grant of any kind, I don't want nothing to do with Gov. I will prosper and or fail in my own marrit. I will not have Gov telling me how to use my High Tunnel or how I will farm. We need to get away from the Nanny State. We (Farmers) can't complain about Corp bale-outs if we take bale-outs. Amen Brother 100 years ago farmers were resilant and brilliant at solving problems.

[@Jeffykins71]

Well said Curtis. I could not agree more. A farm must support the farmers and pay a living wage for it's workers with no help from the government. We can do this! Thanks for all you do urban farmer!

[@ABAdventureChannel]

Great video Curtis!

[@BeRaaad]

Great video. There is also the argument that farms, companies, etc. need to be able to fail. A failing venture is not a bad thing, it just the start of something new and sustainable.

[@brianhildebrand6272]

Great video, thank you

[@buphagus3862]

Thanks for the video. in the greenhouse background, what kind of lights are you using on the basil? Are they there for the season shoulders and / or shadow cast by the adjacent greenhouse? - Bill

[@offgridcurtisstone]

+Buphagus yes, just compact fluorescents. Still an experiment so I can't really comment on the success or not.

[@benparkinson8314]

Curtis what do you think about farm incubators? What do you think about growing ingredients to make a preserved product? Maybe you know of some good or bad examples?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Farm incubators can be great. Haven't seen any amazing ones yet. I'm hoping to make my farm into one in time. More of a long term project. I think value add is great, not my thing for my context, but I've seen it done well before. Watch my video with Tyler, the salsa farmer. I also plan on showcasing more cool farm projects in the near future that are doing something similar.

[@benparkinson8314]

Great, I will check out that video as well as look forward to more from your channel.

[@mkgunter]

It boils down to Accountability! When Gov pays people to set at home and do nothing for a check, hell what do you expect, it kills the incentive for people to strive! Dont send the money for these guys and see what happens! Some will turn to stealing/killing, some will get hungry and have to figure it out, and say Oh shit no more free lunch maybe my back does not hurt that bad after all and goes his ass to work! As a business owner needing to hire people to work, how can I complete for the guy that gets a free check from the gov for doing nothing! I say no more Free Checks!!! I just dont see a farmer in the USA telling a group of 100 people we have to pick 20 acres of purple hull peas today, I think he would have mutiny on his hands!" That John Deere does not talk back!" But I do believe seed money is important to get the ball turning on ideals, but it needs accountability for it! The modern farmers use of roundup concerns me, glyphosate is a systemic type pesticide that translocates in the plants flesh, Some GMO's are glyphosate, dicamba resistant, so how much of this stuff is in our foods we eat and feed our animals! There for I believe in the urban farms to be a much better model to support our food source! However how many people are left with a backbone to do the work? Bro Stone, you have done great work, keep steadfast!!

[@ronstrobel9227]

Definitely the truth. Take gov't. $$ and they will be in your business, on your property, and in your family -- practically in your hip pocket; I used to write and administrate grants, so I know. The only way to have a lasting impact is to have influence at the grassroots level (pardon the reference). Do well by doing good. Everything we need to know we learned in kindergarten. We, the people, have the power; we just on the whole are 'way too lazy to exercise it. Curtis, you are the BEST!

[@dcloukey]

Man I already liked you. But this video just took you from good to Great. i am just a hobby Gardner....would like to get into becomingng a market gardner in tye near future. when I make that leap I will buy your book and course for sure. This video proves you have a good head on your shoulders

[@drew4021]

Agreed 100% -although I would like to see more favorable regulations (not subsidies) on the federal and local levels that encourage small farms like yours. Now back to business lol - I couldn't help noticing the supplemental lighting in the back ground. It's something I'm considering adding to mine. Can you talk a little about that?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

I will when I've got it sorted out. That's all trials right now.

[@troppodan768]

Quotes from Breitbart, Anti Fragile. Speaks truth about government, subsidies etc. Free market anarchist me thinks. You are a true leader in your field Curtis, thank you. If you go to the government with a problem, you get a government solution. Australia is no different, possibly worse thank Nth America...

[@RangerOne_NC]

Great video! Thank you for all of your amazing information.

[@aletoledo1]

Thank-you, pleasantly surprised. I suppose with your permaculture background it makes sense.

[@ilanmagen]

Very good, nice topic

[@stevefischer2396]

I love this video. And I love the passion.

[@whatthefungus]

Over coming hardship and struggle does make you stronger and a better entrepreneur. You learn to respect money and live within your means. Community Futures is a good program however, and I do happen to know a few ppl that have successfully completed it, and now run a thriving business. I am surprised you were unable to get funded by them. Needless to say you found a way!

[@hanginhillbilly]

I already consider you one of my mentors but this only promotes that further. I deeply believe in working around the system rather then changing the system.

[@planetbob4709]

I agree with your opinion. In my opinion, most of the farm subsidies are being pad to big agro, like Monsanto anyway. It would be a good thing to have less Monsanto and more local grown food.

[@swikfors]

I self-identify as a conservatarian agrarian and couldn't agree with you more! Cut the government out of the equation and we will find out what true sustainability looks like.

[@armpitoftexas7878]

well put

[@jodrodgar7194]

Really interesting topic Curtis. Great that you're having these discussions. I agree with a lot of what you say. I wonder if the situation is slightly different in England and the UK where land is so much more expensive and hard to get hold of so that often grants/loans etc are vital to get started. But I'm sure, at least I'd like to believe, that its possible to do what you're doing here on a small scale. Its got to be good to get away from government subsidies. I guess there's a strong feeling that the free market is not free at the moment and the scales are heavily biased in favour of the big farmers who receive huge subsidies so its important to challenge that bias. In England at least a lot of small scale farmers are trying to farm AND fight the political battles. These may compromise their ability to run a successful farm and therefore the farm fails or is not as efficient as it could be. Its an interesting question. Government regulations are often put in place to protect people and the environment from companies who seek profit at the expense of environmental protection and workers well being. Not every business is as thoughtful, environmentally conscious and socially beneficial as yours. As with most things its not black and white. Interesting questions though as we head into an uncertain future.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

I hear you. The market has never really been free, but that's a whole other discussion.

[@alandewinter]

Curtis, bravo hopefully changes in culture will bring the change in farm politics sooner rather than later. I have a question on bio char, have your tried this and had any success??

[@carlc4956]

We're beef farmers, we received a loan from La Financierre Agricole. They're corrupt... they've gave more to their 'buddies'. We weren't one of their 'buddies', they'd track our income and when we received a large sum of money, moat likely 7,500+ we'd see a bill in our mailbox a week later. One of my aunts work there and whenever we got a bill it would almost go right through them and to their buddies.

[@aprilbumbalough8283]

Love this guy. Good job buddy.

[@pedros7351]

Great stuff man. I was having the same thoughts about starting this way. I'm so against welfare so I knew it would be intellectually dishonest and against my values. I want to set the example for my community and this just gave me extra motivation. Although, Elon gets some subsidies for Tesla I'm pretty sure and I know SpaceX does. Still love what they're doing though.

[@ConceptHut]

One of your best videos or videos on the Internet. My grandfather was a farmer and I'm tired of weak willed people.

[@jepcozenith40]

Love this! Great post.

[@tommathews3964]

Amen, brother! With you 100%......one phrase summed it up for me. "Skin in the game" The Gov't has no "skin in the game" If there was ever a skinless bunch (especially multi term senators and reps who, themselves, feel entitled) it's the Feds! Lobbyists in Big Ag are some of the most dangerous folks in DC in my opinion. Farmers with their hands out, farming in accordance with witless bureacrats, is a dangerous situation. Sure, plant the GMO stuff and spray away! We endorse it wholeheartedly! It's good for the economy! Rubbish.....Really like the drug analogy as well.....so true.

[@j.f.32]

Thanks for sharing your insights. Very interesting! :)

[@tumba3182]

agreed

[@JohnnyCapoteNature]

Best video ever!!!

[@tomrobertson3236]

spot on. part of your success is that produce sees 50 percent waste. you have none, so you get good money. farms have been merging to where it takes 1000 acres to make a living. agriculture is changing. your cutting edge. Joel saladin makes 2 million gross on 200 acres. with robots and autonomous cars coming, your way will keep people fed.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Salatin has been a huge inspiration for me. Politically and agriculturally.

[@dawsonmehalko711]

DANG! This is SOOOO inspiring!

[@holtscustomcreations]

If I go to your house and I take your money without your permission, what am I doing? If I pay someone to go to your house and take your money for me without your permission, what am I doing? What if I call the person I pay "representative government"? Is it generosity to take from one person and give to another?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

+Timothy Holt it's a great point. It's the elephant in the room that most people will not admit.

[@holtscustomcreations]

Last year, my son (4th grade) came up with this way of describing taxation when taxes were being discussed in library class at school. I received a phone call from the office because he was sent there by the teacher. His teacher was trying to teach the students "all the good things government does". (Yes, that is a direct quote from the teacher.) My son also pointed out the government uses treat of force to enforce compliance. I told the principle and my son, I was proud of him for stating the truth.

[@holtscustomcreations]

This year my son is in 5th grade and applied for student counsel. His proposal was for the school to have window greenhouses installed in each class room for the students to grow herbs and vegetables. He had asked local farmers to help and several volunteered to donate the supplies and time. Last week, he informed me he was not chosen for student counsel and his proposal was "too expensive". He said he stressed the "donation of ALL materials" and still no dice. So, we are expanding our personal backyard gardening to commercial gardening. Thank you for your videos.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Wow, crazy story, though not surprising. We will certainly not be putting our daughter in public school.

[@Nmsss760]

I’m doing a research paper and hopefully I can get some good points

[@joshuaboland3793]

I agree with your philosophy but just for fairness, the solar industry is partially subsidized in America. It's an under 10 billion a year subsidy, which is small compared to the Ag subsidy that caps around 25 billion, but Tesla and others do take the money. There is a time and place for subsidies but it's not constantly propping up industries. Subsidies are economic incentives that can be used to offset the cost to get initial work started in a new or growing field that has good economic promise. The problem starts when that subsidy is permanent and people can live on it after development is complete. A proper subsidy is basically a targeted grant designed to encourage mobility in some job sectors and stability in others. Bottomline, the tool is fine but we are experiencing heavy user error.

[@sunnyday5326]

New Farmers! Look into the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act. This is not a grant and it is not free money but a guaranteed loan to help you buy land or if you are an established farmer it can help you with improvements

[@tjz19d]

Curtis I'm curious to know your opinion on 3rd party grants? I'm part of a program call FVC (Farmers Veterans Coalition), they give a small 3k grant to veterans of the military turned farmers like myself, they do have guidelines but for the most part your free to run your business your way. Just curious, i personally think 3rd party groups and individual investor(s) isn't a bad thing. I do agree with you 100% government needs to stay out of small business.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

I like the idea of coalitions and support based programs, especially for veterans. There's no doubt we need people to put up capital for other businesses. This is fundamental for a capitalist economy to thrive.

[@tjz19d]

Agreed, I like the idea also. I think that individual supporters and investors is a good route and better route than loans or "free money". Look at what JM is doing, if he's successful at this I think it could really open the doors for other investors and farmers to innovate the culture and really build something great.

[@KcarlMarXs]

I can't speak to specifics of the agriculture subsidies themselves, but fundamentally a lot of what government does in agriculture has importance. In the US, many programs stemmed to help struggling farmers(populist movt), subsidies to manage the food levels in the country, and protections to the environment. These ideally are all beneficial and well intended, but whether these are well or fairly implemented is more of an issue. It's clear here that large industrial farms have taken over here, which threaten resources, soil, the environment, and small farmers as well.

[@tjz19d]

The problem I see (just my opinion) is for them to subsidize anybody that means the money comes from others through taxes and governmental run programs. I'd rather have less taxes and mandates to create a system that works for me and my environment, I want the freedom to decide how I'm going to do things and build my business my way, I also want to make higher profits to support my family. If I make more I spend more in my neighbors business who in return spends more in mine. My FSA offers micro loan programs for small farms, I'm all for that, but nothing is free and nothing can be.

[@KcarlMarXs]

Ideally, I'd love to cut taxes. Our governments spends far too much money without actually benefiting us as it should. In theory, programs of the government (funded by taxes), should be investments in our people, which has been very effective in certain cases. Anyways I feel it's also the obligation of those who are well off to help support those who aren't, so in a sense we have some gov to tax those at the top to elevate the society as a whole. Anyways, good talk.

[@1voluntaryist]

In a free market, it is impossible to get rich without benefiting society. The rich, middle class, lowest economic status all benefit society. Those who don't benefit us don't last long. Why? They don't have a moral blank check, like politicians/bureaucrats. This double standard has to stop. Govt. force has to stop. We have to stop supporting the parasites. It's unsustainable.

[@KcarlMarXs]

You're quite misguided Don. Man is inherently greedy and it's clear those at the top manipulate the world to benefit on the exploitation of others. Let's take a look at shell. They make billions of dollars, and do, to your point, employ some people. But what about them slaughtering indeginous people in the Amazon? What about the fact they continue to contribute towards climate change and try to lead the public into ignorance for money? Is this benefiting us? I'm not defending our govt, but you take such regards to those who last long you're misguided

[@4seedsfarmok978]

Ian, I think it's unfair to call Don misguided, I personally think he brings up valid points. You said yourself man is inherently greedy (I wouldn't say that's far off but I wouldn't lump everyone into that group). I'm former military I've seen selfless service in action. We as a species are always going to insure survival of ourselves. Shell as bad as it is, is essential to the world, we have to be able to ship goods that's requires fuel, shell creates jobs which promotes economic growth. What would hurt humanity more, shell shutting its doors or continuing production? As for climate change, yes I agree the climate is changing, but I don't believe it's due to man, theirs times in history where more C02 existed and the earth was hotter, also the oceans play a massive affect with the release of C02, while manufacturing certainly can affect air quality and pollution I don't think it's affecting our overall climate like some say it is. Subsidizing failure and lack of dynamic business practices isn't good for a society as a whole, and supporting those folks who are less successful in life is taking away the future advancements that the successful people can bring. Good debate guys.

[@NumberOneChina]

Great video, couldn't agree more

[@bwakel310]

Do you live in Canada or USA?

[@VeganMomVie]

BC baby!! :)

[@bwakel310]

Desireé I don't follow.

[@VeganMomVie]

British Columbia, Canada. Just google it. ;)

[@Molb0rg]

Perfect.

[@zleereed]

Do you employ solar power on your farms?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Looking to install a 20Kw system on my house this year or early next year.

[@zleereed]

That's what's up, Curt. And middle fingers to the gov.

[@sjdanthem]

I knew I liked this guy.

[@pykesplaceacres7394]

Government subsidies are an agriculture localized, special case quantitative easing and as such cause confusion in market signals (i.e. government is deliberately interfering with free markets forces/choices). Things that shouldn’t be grown or are not particularly wanted are encouraged and made profitable (by a few). And things that should be grown AND are wanted by the market (buyers at all levels) are left to struggle and sometimes wither away on a very less than level playing field. Additionally, subsidies are funded by taxes (present and future). Taxes are theft by the largest “faux-legal” gang in the country at the point of a gun. Laws and regulations even if written with the best intent to help small and urban farmers are still enforced, ultimately, at the point of a gun and are therefore immoral. It’s wrong to say that a government that governs less, governs best, because all government will expand its size and power. The best situation is no government at all!