Karl

Stauber

SAFSF Greensboro, NC

June 26, 2009

Human RightsFood & Nutrition

Rural Development Environment

Humans’ Place in the CosmosGlobalization

Common Good

Public Policy

Individuals

Reciprocity

1600 1800 1900 1950 2000

Romantic

Environmental

Productive Common Good

Ecological

Privileged Common Good

Fascist

Agrarian Common

Good

Evolution of the Common Good in the US

1 What is the Goal of Society?

2What is the Defining Challenge?

3 What are theMajorMechanisms?

� Science� Economy� Community� Elites � Natural Resources

4 What are the Standards of Performance?

Efficiency, Current Return on Investment, GNP or GDP

5 KeyWords: Progress & Growth

Productive Vision of the Common Good

1 What is the Goal of Society?

2What is the Defining Challenge?

3 What are theMajorMechanisms?

� Policy� Economy� Science� Optimization� Nature

4What are the Standards ofPerformance?

Bio-diversity, soil quality, limiting externalities, reduce consumption, no population growth, etc.

5 KeyWords: Sustainability, Nature is Norm

Ecological Vision of the Common Good

Humans have a

unique responsibilityto live their collective lives in a manner that promotes the survival of all species; humans are a device that evolved on earth to increase the learning capacity of the planet;

we are a feedbackloop, and we must

Economic growth, spurred

by individual consumption

and competitionand led by corporate,

government, and scientific elites will ultimately

Productive Vision

Differences Between these two Views of the

Common GoodEcological Vision

We Are in a Time of Great Conflict

� Agriculture is a great example

� Industrial Agriculture as Productive Common Good

� Sustainable Ag as an Unknown Future

Help People Envision the Future.

vs. Past Future

Getting Sustainable Agriculture to Scale Requires…

2

3

New Way of Rewarding Producers

1

New Norms for Consumers

4

New Economic Model

New American Diet

Future vs. Past ; Obama vs. McCain

Past looks Safe; it is Known

Make the FutureFutureFutureFuture look better than the Past.

Future looks Frightening; it is Uncertain

In less than 30 years, the teaching and practice

of medicine radically changed in the US.

When the pandemic of 1917 hit, the death rate in

the US was much lower than other parts of the world.

1860s 1880s – 1920s

Change Agent Focus Institutional Building Focus Start-up Phase Growth Phase Extensive Institutional Land Grant University Experimentation Research Stations

Extension Service Highly Beneficial to Poor

Virtually No Benefit to Poor

1980s – 2000 1940s – 1960s Protection of Status Quo Institutional Maintenance Barrier to Change Concentrated Benefits Highly Concentrated Benefits of Commodity Programs and Control Concentration of Power Too Much Capacity

Industrialization

of Agriculture

Leaves Out Poor

Industrialization

of Agriculture

Leaves Out Poor

• Food Contamination Awareness

• Obesity and Disease Awareness

• Western Water Crisis

• Government Financial Crisis

• Cost of Energy Likely to Increase

Factors in favor of a new Common Good, starting with food:

Factors against a new Common Good,

starting with food:

� Growing economic uncertainty favors

cheap food

� Current system rewards externalities

� Current system highly concentrated

� Alternative ag models require cheap

labor

The people in this room know!

How do the people in the room move sustainable agriculture from the margin to

the center?

What are the five things

needed to get to scale? What

is scale?

kstauber@danvilleregionalfoundation.org www.danvilleregionalfoundation.org

SAFSF Greensboro, NCJune 26, 2009

Productive Vision of the Common GoodProductive Vision of the Common Good

Goal of SocietyGoal of Society: To create a social Utopia on earth; to create public civilizat: To create a social Utopia on earth; to create public civilization ion

via economic competition; a social Utopia where all hunger, povvia economic competition; a social Utopia where all hunger, poverty, human erty, human

suffering is eliminated and all people have equal opportunity; tsuffering is eliminated and all people have equal opportunity; the perfection of he perfection of

humans on earth.humans on earth.

The Defining ChallengeThe Defining Challenge: To create the social, political, technical, and economic : To create the social, political, technical, and economic

mechanisms that will make Utopia possible.mechanisms that will make Utopia possible.

Major MechanismsMajor Mechanisms: :

••Science: Knowledge is the key to Utopia. Science is the best, moScience: Knowledge is the key to Utopia. Science is the best, most efficient st efficient

method of obtaining knowledge; only the knowledge that comes fromethod of obtaining knowledge; only the knowledge that comes from m

science is valued.science is valued.

••Economy: The primary mechanism for determining society's winnersEconomy: The primary mechanism for determining society's winners and and

losers losers —— those who win in the economy should be leaders in other spheresthose who win in the economy should be leaders in other spheres; ;

the primary mechanism for allocating resources based on efficienthe primary mechanism for allocating resources based on efficiency; the cy; the

device for creating and exchanging surpluses.device for creating and exchanging surpluses.

••Elites: The people selected by economic, intellectual, artistic,Elites: The people selected by economic, intellectual, artistic, and physical and physical

competition; those who win the competition are best prepared to competition; those who win the competition are best prepared to lead.lead.

••Community: Those people we compete and cooperate with in our attCommunity: Those people we compete and cooperate with in our attempt to empt to

become leaders and reach utopia.become leaders and reach utopia.

••Natural Resources: The stock of existing, usually prehistoric coNatural Resources: The stock of existing, usually prehistoric commodities mmodities

we are to use in creating utopia.we are to use in creating utopia.

••Modern Forms: The multinational corporation; the Land Grant UnivModern Forms: The multinational corporation; the Land Grant University.ersity.

Standards of PerformanceStandards of Performance: Efficiency, current return on investment, GNP or GDP.: Efficiency, current return on investment, GNP or GDP.

Key WordsKey Words: Progress, growth, : Progress, growth, ““a rising tide lifts all ships.a rising tide lifts all ships.””

The Productive Vision of the Common GoodThe Productive Vision of the Common Good: Economic growth, spurred by : Economic growth, spurred by

individual consumption and competition and led by corporate, govindividual consumption and competition and led by corporate, government, and ernment, and

scientific elites will ultimately solve all societyscientific elites will ultimately solve all society’’s problems. s problems.

Ecological Vision of the Common GoodEcological Vision of the Common Good

Goal of SocietyGoal of Society: To live in harmony with the ecological community of which we a: To live in harmony with the ecological community of which we are part; to optimize re part; to optimize

the balance between human needs and the health of the ecosystem.the balance between human needs and the health of the ecosystem.

The Defining ChallengeThe Defining Challenge: In the near term, change the human cycle of production and con: In the near term, change the human cycle of production and consumption so sumption so

as to reduce waste and maintain the existing stock of resources;as to reduce waste and maintain the existing stock of resources; in the long term, humans should in the long term, humans should

take responsibility for living at a scale so that, over time, thtake responsibility for living at a scale so that, over time, they are not a major source of ecological ey are not a major source of ecological

disruption and disturbance.disruption and disturbance.

Major MechanismsMajor Mechanisms::

••Policy: The intentional effort by humans to sanction those incenPolicy: The intentional effort by humans to sanction those incentives, beliefs and values tives, beliefs and values

intended to reduce the negative impact of humans on the ecosysteintended to reduce the negative impact of humans on the ecosystem; policy is the key to m; policy is the key to

articulating shared human beliefs about reducing our disruption articulating shared human beliefs about reducing our disruption of the planet.of the planet.

••Economy: A semiautomatic feedback loop that should be designed tEconomy: A semiautomatic feedback loop that should be designed to promote ecologically o promote ecologically

acceptable behaviors while discouraging damaging ones. acceptable behaviors while discouraging damaging ones.

••Science: A means of understanding how best to target incentives Science: A means of understanding how best to target incentives and disincentives; an and disincentives; an

intentional feedback mechanism which should help us understand tintentional feedback mechanism which should help us understand the effects of our policies. he effects of our policies.

••Optimization: The ecosocial objective of intentionally attemptinOptimization: The ecosocial objective of intentionally attempting to harmonize multiple g to harmonize multiple

processes serving multiple constituencies at multiple scales of processes serving multiple constituencies at multiple scales of time, scope, size, and order. time, scope, size, and order.

••Nature: The source of most norms within the ecosystem; the metapNature: The source of most norms within the ecosystem; the metaphor for how humans should hor for how humans should

organize their institutions. organize their institutions.

••Modern Forms: Very limited at this time.Modern Forms: Very limited at this time.

Standards of PerformanceStandards of Performance: Maintenance of natural rates of biological diversity, soil qua: Maintenance of natural rates of biological diversity, soil quality; limitation lity; limitation

of externalities (nearof externalities (near--zero pollution); minimum use of stock resources, maximum use of zero pollution); minimum use of stock resources, maximum use of flow flow

resources; reduce rate of consumption (declining GDF in rich natresources; reduce rate of consumption (declining GDF in rich nations), zero population growth.ions), zero population growth.

KeywordsKeywords: Nature is norm; sustainability; optimal not maximum; systems : Nature is norm; sustainability; optimal not maximum; systems approach.approach.

The Ecocentric Vision of the Common GoodThe Ecocentric Vision of the Common Good: Humans have a unique responsibility to live their : Humans have a unique responsibility to live their

collective lives in a manner that promotes the survival of all scollective lives in a manner that promotes the survival of all species; humans are a device that pecies; humans are a device that

evolved on earth to increase the learning capacity of the planetevolved on earth to increase the learning capacity of the planet; we are a feedback loop, and we must ; we are a feedback loop, and we must

start behaving as one.start behaving as one.

Privileged Vision of the Common GoodPrivileged Vision of the Common Good

Goal of SocietyGoal of Society: To assure the dominance of those selected by God to lead socie: To assure the dominance of those selected by God to lead society.ty.

The Defining ChallengeThe Defining Challenge: To maintain the system that assures the dominance of the : To maintain the system that assures the dominance of the

selected class over all others. The selected class are Godselected class over all others. The selected class are God’’s representatives on earth s representatives on earth

and thus speak with ultimate authority.and thus speak with ultimate authority.

Major MechanismsMajor Mechanisms::

••Policy: Rule of Law does not apply equally to all. Those with Policy: Rule of Law does not apply equally to all. Those with privilege are given privilege are given

special rights. Those without privilege have few protections undspecial rights. Those without privilege have few protections under the law.er the law.

••Economy: A mechanism for concentrating wealth and power in the hEconomy: A mechanism for concentrating wealth and power in the hands of key ands of key

institutions, while providing for adequate rewards for the skillinstitutions, while providing for adequate rewards for the skilled classes and ed classes and

subsistence for peasants. subsistence for peasants.

••Science: A mixture of ideas applied from Greek philosophers and Science: A mixture of ideas applied from Greek philosophers and alchemists. alchemists.

Primogeniture: The right of the firstPrimogeniture: The right of the first--born son to inherit the entire estate of both born son to inherit the entire estate of both

parents, thus assuring the concentration of power and a supply oparents, thus assuring the concentration of power and a supply of other sons to f other sons to

serve in the priesthood, military and civil authorities. serve in the priesthood, military and civil authorities.

••Nature and the Wilderness: A source of temptation and a place toNature and the Wilderness: A source of temptation and a place to be avoided. be avoided.

Where the hermits live in religious contemplation.Where the hermits live in religious contemplation.

Standards of PerformanceStandards of Performance: Continued dominance of the selected class and the : Continued dominance of the selected class and the

stability of the related religious and royal institutions. At tstability of the related religious and royal institutions. At times the key standard of imes the key standard of

performance was seen as taking and holding Jerusalem and other sperformance was seen as taking and holding Jerusalem and other significant Christian ignificant Christian

Shrines.Shrines.

KeywordsKeywords: The Will of God, stability, hierarchy. Norms are provided by: The Will of God, stability, hierarchy. Norms are provided by God and his God and his

selected agents on earth.selected agents on earth.

The Privileged Vision of the Common GoodThe Privileged Vision of the Common Good: Humans serve God and his representatives : Humans serve God and his representatives

on earth. Societal order is imposed by Godon earth. Societal order is imposed by God’’s will and all should support it or face s will and all should support it or face

excommunication. excommunication.

American Agrarian Vision of the Common GoodAmerican Agrarian Vision of the Common Good

Goal of SocietyGoal of Society: To provide opportunities for individuals and families to live : To provide opportunities for individuals and families to live

independent lives, free of poverty and government and religious independent lives, free of poverty and government and religious intrusion.intrusion.

The Defining ChallengeThe Defining Challenge: To create a system that supports European immigrants : To create a system that supports European immigrants

in their strivings for selfin their strivings for self--sufficiency and independence.sufficiency and independence.

Major MechanismsMajor Mechanisms

••European Oppression and Famine: Class structure; military, politEuropean Oppression and Famine: Class structure; military, political, and ical, and

religious conflict; and major population growth encourage large religious conflict; and major population growth encourage large numbers of numbers of

Europeans to migrate.Europeans to migrate.

••Lax Immigration Laws: Few legal barriers existed to regulate immLax Immigration Laws: Few legal barriers existed to regulate immigration. igration.

This began to change by the late 1800This began to change by the late 1800’’s.s.

••Easy Access to Land: Based on military force, indigenous people Easy Access to Land: Based on military force, indigenous people were were

displaced. Land was made available to settlers and land speculadisplaced. Land was made available to settlers and land speculators. Use it tors. Use it

and move on.and move on.

••Slavery, Contract and Indentured Labor: Public policy supported Slavery, Contract and Indentured Labor: Public policy supported the use of the use of

involuntary and under compensated labor to do most difficult worinvoluntary and under compensated labor to do most difficult work.k.

Standards of PerformanceStandards of Performance: Immigration rates, acreage cleared; land purchased.: Immigration rates, acreage cleared; land purchased.

The Agrarian Vision of the Common GoodThe Agrarian Vision of the Common Good: Settlers and independent farmers are : Settlers and independent farmers are

creating a new civilization in American. The Frontier is what screating a new civilization in American. The Frontier is what strengthens trengthens

Americans and makes them superior to the decedent, urban societiAmericans and makes them superior to the decedent, urban societies of Europe.es of Europe.

Romantic Vision of the Common GoodRomantic Vision of the Common Good

Goal of SocietyGoal of Society: To recognize and celebrate the heroic individual who : To recognize and celebrate the heroic individual who

remains true to history's original view of the pure, independentremains true to history's original view of the pure, independent person.person.

The Defining ChallengeThe Defining Challenge: To test yourself against the frontier; to know and : To test yourself against the frontier; to know and

maintain your personal beliefs and vision in the face of the dehmaintain your personal beliefs and vision in the face of the dehumanizing umanizing

influence of the scientific revolution; to refuse to be standardinfluence of the scientific revolution; to refuse to be standardized or ized or

commodified; to do what you know is right, regardless of cost.commodified; to do what you know is right, regardless of cost.

Major MechanismsMajor Mechanisms::

••The Society, Clan, or Group: The group of people, usually small,The Society, Clan, or Group: The group of people, usually small, which which

provides motivation and support. The group is where you gain andprovides motivation and support. The group is where you gain and

regain strength. regain strength.

••The Leader: The individual who helps you see your vision, your tThe Leader: The individual who helps you see your vision, your truth.ruth.

••The Wilderness: The place of physical or spiritual danger where The Wilderness: The place of physical or spiritual danger where you you

must go to find your vision, yourself.must go to find your vision, yourself.

••Civilization: The place where your vision is challenged, corruptCivilization: The place where your vision is challenged, corrupted, ed,

commodified.commodified.

••Modern Forms: Men's movement; paramilitary groups; some elementsModern Forms: Men's movement; paramilitary groups; some elements

of radical ecofeminism, new age, animal rights, and wise use of radical ecofeminism, new age, animal rights, and wise use

movements; certain religious cults.movements; certain religious cults.

Standards of PerformanceStandards of Performance: Idealism, maintaining one's identity, beating the : Idealism, maintaining one's identity, beating the

system "your way." system "your way."

Key WordsKey Words: "The truth," self: "The truth," self--actualization, noble savage, the loner. actualization, noble savage, the loner.

The Romantic Vision of the Common GoodThe Romantic Vision of the Common Good: Each of us must choose : Each of us must choose

between complacency and struggle. Society calls for complacency;between complacency and struggle. Society calls for complacency; the true the true

individual fights standardization to uphold what is right.individual fights standardization to uphold what is right.

Standards for the Consumer Vision of the Common GoodStandards for the Consumer Vision of the Common Good

Goal of SocietyGoal of Society: To provide entertainment. : To provide entertainment. ““The one who dies with the The one who dies with the

most toys, wins.most toys, wins.””

To be entertained at all times. To be entertained at all times.

The Defining ChallengeThe Defining Challenge: Be happy, be fulfilled!: Be happy, be fulfilled!

Major MechanismsMajor Mechanisms::

••The Entertainment Industry: The largest piece of the American The Entertainment Industry: The largest piece of the American

Economy. Economy.

••The Leader: Celebrity as politician, politician as celebrity. BThe Leader: Celebrity as politician, politician as celebrity. Bill ill

Clinton, Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Clinton, Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

••The Wilderness: A place to go recreate.The Wilderness: A place to go recreate.

••Civilization: The system that supports personal fulfillment.Civilization: The system that supports personal fulfillment.

••Modern Forms: The Mall, pickModern Forms: The Mall, pick--up trucks, computer games, up trucks, computer games, ““The The

Boob Tube,Boob Tube,”” merging of education and entertainment, merging merging of education and entertainment, merging

religion and entertainment.religion and entertainment.

Standards of PerformanceStandards of Performance: The National Entertainment Budget : The National Entertainment Budget

(percentage of GNP that is consumed for entertainment). (percentage of GNP that is consumed for entertainment).

Key WordsKey Words: Self fulfillment, you are what you own, : Self fulfillment, you are what you own, ““The Medium is the The Medium is the

Message.Message.””

The Consumer Vision of the Common GoodThe Consumer Vision of the Common Good: Get it while you can, and : Get it while you can, and

get as much of it as possible.get as much of it as possible.