Pace on Earth

100 Miles and Runnin

Last Saturday's Globe had a very interesting article on organic foods and the farming techniques that spawn them. The gist of the article was that organic farming and sustainable farming are mutually exclusive given the current population of the planet. Essentially, the lower yeilds of organic farming can not feed the planet. Moreover, the production costs of organic farming put the price of organic foods beyond the budget of the majority of consumers. What was perhaps the most surprising point was that (some part of the) scientific community does not believe that organic produce is safer for you. For example, the Mayo Clinic says “No conclusive evidence shows that organic food is more nutritious than is conventionally grown food,” and the American Cancer Society adds that “no evidence that residues of pesticides and herbicides at the low doses found in foods increase the risk of cancer.”

The article makes mention of the organic movement and lumps in a couple of other food movements including the 100 mile diet. While it does not slam the 100 mile diet it doesn't do a very good job of highlighting the positives of these movements. I for one don't think that I need to eat organic produce, although I don't like the idea of genetically modified produce, and certainly would prefer to eat organic meat when possible. The 100 mile diet, though, is a great concept that helps local farmers, ensures freshness, and reduces the impace of global food distribution. This is actually a very easy way for people to make a difference. The food industry is massive and certainly needs to make very effor to includes sustainble practices. People just need to be informed and make sure they are making choices that are actually sustainable. For a great look at the scale of the food industry check out The Great Food Revolution on the CBC website.

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Happy Friday!

Pace out.

Labels: Flashback Friday

posted by Vitamin S @ 5:02 p.m.