A dear lady was explaining her issue with the organic movement. Her father was a farmer and took the movement to mean that society believed he intentionally produced and sold food products that he knew to be toxic.
This conversation is past due. Family-owned farms are owned and operated by people with a mission to feed people. They depend on the information from the federal and state departments of agriculture to be accurate and helpful. This is totally understandable and reasonable.
Then we look back at errors (like DDT) that were made by these offices. And we look around at guidance being given by these same offices today.
I believe that “cides” intended to kill bugs, pests and weeds cannot be good for humans. I believe that no amount of washing can completely eliminate these chemicals from produce, grains and animal products. And soil that becomes saturated with materials from these treatments cannot feed or grow those products in a healthy manner. And no amount of artificial replacement of the necessary organic material can be healthy or sustainable.
I believe that each member of our farming community has to weigh many issues and make the best decisions they can for themselves. Does that mean they have to agree with me? NOPE. But I’m hoping that they continue to be open to new information available through our college research and through the Department of Agriculture.
And I appreciate the dedication and work that our farmers put into their chosen professions. If you don’t, try to feed your family without the help of a farmer.
Paula Deter
Camano Island
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