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CHAPTER 6 



SHOCK ABSORBERS AND 



EQUALIZERS IN THE 



FOOD SUPPLY 



PRODUCTION varies widely within the year and between years, 

 whereas consumption is stable. Shock absorbers match this 

 variable production with the stable requirements. In time of 

 war the necessity for adjustment is far greater since many 

 factors in the food picture change. Food production declines, 

 requirements increase, transportation difficulties mount, and 

 needs cannot be accurately anticipated. Shock absorbers are 

 then especially needed to match erratic production with 

 shifting requirements. 



Adjustments are of several kinds. Foods which are pro- 

 duced seasonally must be made available throughout the 

 year. Food supplies must somehow be made available in years 

 of poor crops. Finally, there must be sufficient flexibility in 

 the food supply to take care of long-time changes in popu- 

 lation. 



It is obvious that there is considerable flexibility in the 

 food supply. Japan feeds 277 people per hundred tillable 



