@nix @tinker @raccoon Plausible answers for seeds and labor. My intuition is a significant part of the surplus is due to efficiencies introduced by the big-ticket implements--tractors, combines, trucks, etc. Tractors and trucks are multi-purpose, but others are industry- and crop-specific.

@tinker @raccoon Interesting answer. I like the idea of food being free. How is that achieved, though? Seeds cost money. Fertilizer costs money. Farming implements cost money. Operating farm implements cost money--fuel, maintenance, etc. Labor costs money. Transportation costs money. Processing costs money. So, I'm interested in hearing how food becomes free in a mutual aid economy.