Well, I’m glad you asked. The answer is spelled “p-r-o-t-e-c-t-i-o-n-i-s-m”. Iceland implements high tariffs on agricultural products in order to protect the domestic agricultural sector. Tariffs on certain varieties of vegetables, e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers are significantly higher during the growing season to protect domestic greenhouse producers (that is, the Islenskt graenmati- brand). The people of Iceland and everyone that drops by for a visit needs to pay the price for the nationalistic idiocy of the politicians in the Althingi. And for what reason – for that Icelanders can say that they also produce cucumbers and tomatoes? Is there a national pride in that? They don’t even taste good, or wait, I was unfair – they barely taste anything at all. Try some fruits and vegetables from Europe or the US. No, this is just moronic that Icelanders should continue to suffer because of this rediculos nationalistic policy.
The answer to solve the problem is spelled e-c-o-n-o-m-i-c f-r-e-e-d-o-m! No subsidies, no special tax breaks to specific corporations and no trade barriers.
“Our trade policy rests firmly on the foundation of free and open markets. I recognize … the inescapable conclusion that all of history has taught: The freer the flow of world trade, the stronger the tides of human progress and peace among nations.” //Ronald Reagan
“Free trade is the most important single way to promote growth” //Milton Friedman
Iceland is totally dependent on the freest possible international trade – let the politicians hear our call!
