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Donna,
I'm sure you'll draw some fire for this, but I
guess, for my part, I'm not yet burned out on the topic, although like
politics, I'm not foolish enough to think anyone's mind will be changed (expect
perhaps those on the fence). I think your analysis is interesting.
After participating in multiple posts on this issue, and reading many more in
the archives. I've summarized the thinking of both sides below. I
tried to be fair, even though my own opinion is in support of modern
chemistry. I'm sorry, but I see nature (and the universe in general) as
not nice, and generally works against one's goals of survival. Here is how
I see both sides:
Organic says,"How can petroleum sustain modern
agriculture?" Conventional says, "How can organic sustain a
people?"
Conventional says,"Modern agriculture is more
efficient." Organic says, "Define efficient."
Organic says, "Agriculture is poisoning food,
people and the environment." Conventional says, "Technology is
advancing. Chemicals are becoming safer for people and the environment and
targeted toward specific pests." Organic replies, "We've heard that old
saw before."
Conventional says, "Organic is more labor intensive
and would therefore require a larger percentage of the population to
farm." Organic responds, "What's wrong with that." Conventional
replies, "More labor equals more costly food for everyone, including the
poor."
Organic says, "Modern agriculture burns up a
fixed amount of fossil fuels and contributes to greenhouse gases."
Conventional says, "Agriculture is unfairly scrutinized on this point.
Every modern industry is energy intensive. Watch any show on how things
are manufactured, on the Modern Marvels channel, and you will recognize
everything is made trading energy for labor. Everything from houses, down
to shoelaces, down to he transportation to get the goods there." Organic
replies, "We do not necessarily approve of those practices either.
Additionally these are not black and white issues. Compromises are a part
of life. There are shades of gray."
Conventional says,"Organically grown food simply
can't be grown in many locations." Organic says, "Some things can be grown
organically in every location. The problem is people want to grow things
not suited to their location. Additionally, organic technology is
improving to make it easier in all locations." Conventional responds,
"Chemical technology will also continue to improve making chemicals safer, and
more targeted to specific pests. Dry locations are more suited to
organics, but those locations generally must use supplemental water,
which is expensive, and a valuable resource in those locations.
Stuff that can be grown organically in wetter climates (some minor fruits)
doesn't taste that good to me. Some organic folks will eat grass and
like it.
Organic says, "Your standards for perfect fruit are
too high. A little cosmetic damage never hurt anyone. Cut out the
wormy half of the apple and eat the good." Conventional says, "It's
more than just cosmetic here. The fruit is unusable, it doesn't ripen
properly with worm damage." Organic replies, "Then grow things like
persimmon and pawpaw. At least you won't be eating dangerous
chemicals." Conventional responds, "Not all synthetic chemicals are
equally dangerous. There are shades of gray."
Organic says, "Because organically grown food uses
natural fertilizer and has more soil microbes, it tastes better, and
is more nutritious." Conventional says, "It's not organic that
makes it taste better, but that it's locally grown. Local conventionally
grown food tastes just as good, and perhaps better since there some varieties
taste outstanding but can't be grown organically."
Organic says, "The problem with conventional is
monoculture. Plant a diversity and you won't have the pest
pressure." Conventional responds, "When everyone in town has a diversified
garden, it essentially becomes like a monoculture. When there's a
paw paw tree in every yard, the swallow tail butterfly larvae, or some new pest
will eventually become a problem."
"And the band played on"
The Temptations - Ball of Confusion
Mark
KS
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