Yes they are, I think fresh food will be hard to come by for a lot of people and will allways be something to barter. Heck just being able and WILLING to work with your hands will be of great value. How many folks honestly know what it takes to build a sound structure to live in by themselves with no help? let alone grow their own food, people do need some help and a small group makes a lot of sense too me. Know your neighbors <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />