Did your grandfather own 100% of the farm? What about your grandmother? What about your grandfather’s employees who worked that farm? If your kids work on the farm, they deserve an economic stake in the farm. Centering the question around grandfathers and family farms and family businesses fails to address the authoritarian undercurrents in these families. How is it right that, in a family business, the entire family contributes to the business but only a single “grandfather” gets to own the business? That makes no sense. If you want to have a family farm, every member should have ownership; and if every member has ownership, the farm will not be subject to inheritance tax unless every member dies.
Our tax system encourages a more co-operative approach to business. It is in the interest of the owner to share his/her economic stake in the farm to ensure the longevity of his/her business without state ownership. When the state does acquire part ownership of the farm the other parties will be given the opportunity to buy back the shares at a fair price, although there will be many advantages to having the state as joint owners. Meritocracy recognizes the wealth of expertise within farming families which simply goes to waste due to the outlandish demands of major retailers. We want an agricultural industry in which animal welfare is respected. We want to see passionate farmers producing high quality food on their own terms without the constant interference from the private sector. It is in the interests of both the state and the farmers to ensure the longevity of the lands for future generations to come. We want to give the farming experts the power to make the right decisions for our agricultural future. Joint state ownership ensures the right of the people to get heard. Farmers must not be ignored by the market anymore. The bad practices which lead to outbreaks (such as the foot-and-mouth disease), are due to farmers having to cut costs to meet uncompromising demands from the private sector. The risk to the population is too great to let this type of practice carry on any longer. A meritocratic government wants to use the wealth of experience gained through generations, and to create the world’s most shining example of agriculture. We want to invest in the future with regard to the young, aspiring farmers. We want what is best for the people: working together against the tyranny of the market.
