A March 25, 2010 Article at SunSentinel

question 98

Essay

A March 25, 2010 article at SunSentinel.com reported, "Strawberry farmers in Florida are facing such a sharp collapse in prices for their berries that many are deciding to simply leave huge tracts of the berries to rot in the fields. . . Wholesale prices that were $17 to $19 for a flat of eight containers have now fallen to $5 to $6 a flat."
a. Why can't a strawberry farmer simply charge a higher price for their strawberries?
b. What would likely happen to the profits of strawberry farmers if they picked the strawberries and sold them in the market?
c. Graphically illustrate the situation facing a typical strawberry farmer, using the farmer's demand curve, and ATC and AVC curves.

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Definitions:

Prejudice

Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience; often directed against individuals or groups.

Increases Empathy

Refers to the process of developing a greater ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Distancing

A coping mechanism where an individual maintains emotional separation from stressful or anxiety-inducing situations or thoughts.

Jigsaw Classroom

An educational approach designed to minimize competition and promote cooperation among students by having them work in racially and academically diverse groups.