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Forget organic, eat local?! |
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Wed, 14 Mar 2007 |
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 An apple on the cover of the Mar 12, 2007 edition of Time Magazine wears a sticker proclaiming: "Forget Organic. Eat Local." It's a sensational headline if you're into organic food, local food, or at all concerned about the quality of your food in general. As it turns out, the cover story is not a shocking exposé of organic food, instead, it's the latest media splash in the pretty hot local-vs-organic debate that's been going on in environmentalist circles for a while. Most of this controversy is centered on "corporate organics", the move over the last four or five years of major food companies into the organic market, capped by Wal-Mart's recent introduction of hundreds of certified organic products. And this is tied up with the larger issue of long-distance food and overall food quality, whether conventional or organic. It's a complicated issue, and it is also fundamental to how we live here in North America because, in the end, everybody's gotta eat...and we eat long-distance food from the supermarket.
Here, the Time writer takes us on his reporterly quest for food that is safe, nutritious, affordable, and tasty, too. The conclusions are pretty basic, hardly as dramatic as the title might suggest. First, science has nothing conclusive to say about the whole subject: whether pesticides in small doses are bad, whether organic food is healthier. Then, long-distance shipping of "organic" products simply doesn't sound right (and a good argument can be made that the energy costs of shipping alone offset the "organic" advantages). Third, truly fresh food—local food direct from the grower—tastes better and lasts longer. Finally, it is complicated and expensive, if not impossible, to eat truly local, let alone certified organic, in most regions. In the end, locally-grown trumps long-distance organic, and the consumer solution presented is...moderation. A share in a non-certified organic CSA, supplemented by regular store-bought organics, did the trick for the Time scribe. It all seems like nothing new and only common sense: "fresh, local, organic, as much as possible" is a pretty solid, sane and obvious personal food policy, once you give it a little thought! (Read the article online: "Eating Better Than Organic")
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CSA Update |
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It's 2008 and the new farming year is underway! Sign-ups for 2008 are way ahead of any previous year, with both renewals and new members already in. Share prices have been increased for this season (the first increase since we began four years ago). The season will once again be 18 weeks, beginning around mid-June. This year, you're also encourage to visit the farm at least once, and a new farmwork program is being considered, where you can do some veggie gardening here in the field, in 4-hour blocks, when it's convenient to you. If you're interested in CSA with us for 2008, here are the details for our farm, and the new 2008 printable sign-up form (or email or call for one to be mailed!). And there's more CSA info in the FAQs.
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Come grow with us! |
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If you're in the Lindsay area any time this Spring or Summer and are looking to volunteer or for some part-time work on a real, live organic microfarm, get in touch! You'll enjoy a little fresh air and exercise, probably learn some stuff, and definitely have a good time (as long as your heart's in it!). Come for a day, or set up a regular schedule. All ages welcome, no experience necessary, any sort of personal interest in small scale growing or gardening plus a cheerful disposition are required! Enquire here! |
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Research |
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