Interesting article about organic farming and big corporations

[scott]

I am not espousing any opinion on the following link for an article, but all us who choose to purchase only organic produce are going to have to deal with these issues more and more as time goes by. This article has to do with organic dairy farming, which I don't consume, but the big corporations are getting heavily involved in all parts of organics. This also ties into that great thread about peak oil we have going right now - locally grown, farmers markets, etc. Energy costs are going to cause massive dislocations in all parts of the global economy. No question in my mind that oil will be approaching $200/ barrel in the future - we are in a gigantic commodity inflation era now - probably the biggest one ever.
Sorry about the excess comments. This whole discussion is right up my line of work.

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.asp?Symbol=US:WFMI&Feed=AP&Date=20060627&ID=5829081

Thanks all.
Scott

[swingbolder]

Thanks for posting this.

[sport]

If raw foods get to be as popular as they should be then you will see the same thing happening to it. The large corporations will take it over.
The answer to the organic thing is that all the small guys should get together and create a Super Organic brand. It was the small guy that started the organic thing and they can start a new one.

[swingbolder]

Sorry about the excess comments. This whole discussion is right up my line of work.

Not at all. It'd be great if there were more discussion about this (peak oil, our overall food supply) in raw food circles but I think it's mostly an awareness issue. . . it's hard for people to imagine a world where the things we are used to getting whenever we want at the local supermarket might someday be unavailable.

Truth in labeling really seems to be the answer, as far as the organic question is concerned. Every hormone, pesticide, antibiotic etc. used to produce a food should be on the label, then the consumer can decide for him/herself whether to buy it.

What line of work are you in?

[sport]

I have just started reading a book called Cradle to Cradle. Has anyone read it. It promises to be very interesting

[scott]

Swingbolder,


I agree with you, I always prefer the approach which leans toward individual freedom and ultimately responsibility also. Unfortunately many Americans seem to have shirked their responsibility and have allowed others to do the work for them instead, so some official agency or whatever will make the rules for us, whether it's good for consumers or not. Those with the influence will tilt the rules in their favor of course, but that's how it works, so we deal with it.
I am an individual trader for my own account only, so I am home all day and I get to eat all of this wonderful organic food all day - what a joy! It's worked out quite well. The markets just closed, so I get to go downstairs and make myself a huge salad, like always, and come back up and get prepared for tomorrow and do it once again - another wonderful challenge.
How does romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, and celery with an orange, garlic, and avocado dressing sound? I'm taking the no celtic salt, and no spices challenge. That's enough rambling.

Scott