Re: The Organic Industry -- its dilemma
J. J. Haapala (jhaap@tilth.org)
Thu, 29 Feb 1996 11:02:48 -0800 (PST)
Bart Hall's comment, as well as the use of Fred Kirschenmann' concern,
indeed other attempts to question the validity of organics and it's relation to
sustainable ag strike me as mean-spirited attempts to knock those
producers who have made a committment to sustainable agriculture, rather
than thoughtful concerns about the threats to organics on the horizon.
Indeed it strikes me as characteristic of the sustainable ag
discussions, which definately faces larger threats than the organics
industry. Rather than directing our resources in sust. ag. to helping
interested or committed producers to create for successful and
sustainable operations, much of our effort goes toward qualifying novel
chemical approaches (precision farming, no till...) as sustainable. I am
definately not adverse to qualifying chem approaches to ag if they
qualify based on the physical, social, economic criteria. Instead, it
seems we argue on the value of considering OM a valid indicator of soil
health rather than acknowledging the valid processes of organic farming
that have much to contribute to sust. ag.
Perhaps there is the impression that money hungry opportunists
are constituting the majority of organic enterprises, with little regard
to soil health etc. Indeed, I have observed the pressure on local markets
by California products, forcing me to meet LA dock prices. Yet, I am also
indebted to those operations to maintaining availability throughout the
winter season. Though, I really do not know, I would venture to say that
even the largest of these operations engage in soil building practices,
and innovate in diversity technology to a degree that would warrant
sustainability awards in most circles.
We can argue about the percentage of the food dollar received by
the farmer, organic or other. But, tell me how does that one cent a box
of cereal advantage translate into a bushel of corn. And what sort of
cost savings does that organic farmer realize? Direct marketing
indeed provides farmers with a higher return, but also a burdon of
additional enterprises that often takes away from our ability to farm.
Yes, that organic corn grower is growing corn. They are also
avoiding synthetic chemicals, and the use of inorganic fertilizers. Let
us for a moment pause and consider the inherent advantages of making
these incremental steps toward sustainability. Are they not as worthy of
our attention as the anecdotal attempts to chisel away at the efforts of
farmers who have taken great risks to commit themselves to a more
sustainable agriculture? Those same farmers that have struggled to
develop innovative marketing opportunities with very little support
across the board from information to technology. Do we have the roots of
the same ignorance and bigotry that comprise the attitudinal barriers to
the adoption of a more sustainable agriculture by our more conventional
counterparts?
I feel better getting that off my chest,
JJ
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jhaap@tilth.org
J. J. Haapala * Oregon Tilth Research & Development
30848 Maple Drive * Junction City, OR 97448 * +1 (503) 998-5801
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