THE FUTURE OF MONEY Bernard A. Lietaer - library.uniteddiversity ...

usinesses and non-profits, healthcare and welfare information, job
training and volunteer information, etc.) Similarly, Oracle Japan has
expressed interest in getting involved as well.
Financing small businesses
To illustrate further the flexibility of these local-currency concepts,
here are examples of small businesses, which have obtained financing
through the use of complementary currencies. In this category fall the
Berkshire experiments in Massachusetts or the 'Dining Dinero' issued
by Cafe de la Pat in Berkeley.
None of the following complementary currencies was designed to
be used as a general means of payment, but rather as an alternative
financing mechanism for specific predetermined purposes, supported
by the community.
The four main Berkshire experiments are Deli Dollars, Berkshire
Farm Reserve Notes, Monterey General Store Scrip and Knitter
Restaurant scrip.2" Normal banking sources were not interested in
providing such financing. All these experiments follow a similar
pattern to that of the Farm Reserve Notes. The Farm Preserve Notes -
officially sanctioned by the Massachusetts State Agricultural
Department - provide working capital for some small farmers who
sell them against normal US dollars. These certificates are redeemable
at the next crop against merchandise and produce. A discount is built
into the price of this future produce to provide an incentive to the
buyer to purchase now what will become available only months from
now. This approach was very well received by the clients, and
enabled the farmer to raise working capital immediately, while
ensuring him in advance the sale of pan of his crop with reliable
clients in the future.