s organic safer, or simply a more expensive way of getting sick?

was a question from the Book of Joe.

Organic food is big business, and the financial incentives and marketing propaganda are huge. Then add in a lack of regulation and its an open free for all. There are those with the tinfoil hats, who view organic food almost to the point of a relgion. Its the big agribusiness who is out ot get us, and the organic food folks will keep us safe. Uh… yea right.

So, we have rotenone, an organic pesticide with possible links to Parkinsons, we have copper sulfate, another favorite of the organic crowd. It can cause liver damage, and its an environmental contaminant with long term staying power.

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/rotenone/startpageh.htm

But, I do have to give credit to the organic marketing machine… they have created a powerful ally amongst consumers who rely on anecdotal evidence, rather than being willing to question everything.

Organic food has the potential to be better, but as long as the huge financial incentives, and the lack of regulatory oversight is there, its another mess just like the world of nutrional supplements. Now, there is a chance for changes in the organic labeling requirements. Those in the industry are up in arms. Not necessarily for the concern of their customers, but from the standpoint, its going to cost them money, and they may no longer be able to play as many fast ones. By the same token, there is some loosening of the standards as well. From one standpoint, it may open the market, from another, it may well let those entrenched start to play even more games.

The solution, sustainable ag. You grow it, kill it, and grill it yourself, or you have a neighbor do so for you. While the financial incentives are still there, chances are you are not going to hose over your neighbor, unlike a distant customer you never even met. Sustainable ag takes the big money out of the business, and as a result, less corruption, and probably better food and health.