Each to his own
Oct 1, 2000 12:00 PM, James Goodman
I would be very interested to see the "facts" that prove GMOs are safer than organic food ("Organic opinion," July/August issue, page 48). Since people ate nothing but organic food until about 50 years ago, I guess we could say it was probably safe. We still are not sure about GMOs as we have been eating them for only a few years.
I learned over the years that I never got my money's worth when it came to agro-chemicals, a costly technology. Compost and green manure used in a rotation work well for lower cost and there is no question as to their safety. Recent technological inputs have raised crop yields dramatically, but to whose benefit: $1.50 corn and $4.00 beans don't help farmers.
The U.S. farmer is unable to supply the domestic demand for food now. The U.S. is a net importer of food, despite our intensive conventional production system. Whether or not food and fiber needs could be met using organic farming methods is a question that will probably never be answered. However, if over the past 50 years as much time and money had been put into research in organic agriculture as conventional, we might be able to answer that question.
Whether or not consumers of organic products are "suckers" is debatable as well. People choose to buy certain things based on a variety of reasons. Some people drive a BMW; some choose motorcycles. Some folks are Lutheran; some Baptist. It is their choice. They do what they feel is the right thing for them. My neighbors farm conventionally; it is the right thing for them. I farm organically; it works for me. I spend less, worry less and enjoy farming more. Is there something wrong with that?
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