I understand Meredith LaFrance’s frustration with shopping for organic produce in a supermarket (ODE, “Organic food not worth it,” 10/13/08). It often costs more and doesn’t look as nice. However, I must disagree with the rest of her argument. Not only have studies shown the environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture, I’ve seen first-hand that farmers can grow just as much, if not more, on organically-farmed land.
She also points out the USDA’s statement that organic “products are neither safer nor more nutritious.” Unfortunately, industrial agriculture corporations spend enormous amounts of money to make sure the government says exactly that to confuse the general public. Anything else could be bad for their bottom line.
If worrying about pesticides on your food isn’t your thing, think about the people who spray those pesticides. It is likely they are low-wage workers who can’t afford to worry about protective personal equipment. Part of my job this summer was spraying pesticides on invasive blackberry bushes, and after the first time putting on the big white suit and backpack full of blue chemicals, I promptly quit and have never looked at pesticides the same way.
With the help of the media and changing cultural habits, the food debate now seems to come down to organic versus local. Here in Eugene, we don’t have to choose – we can have both. Our bountiful Farmer’s Market runs from May until November, stocking fresh (and most often organic) produce from Lane County. Because it travels so few miles and the demand is high, it tends to be less expensive than in the grocery store. I work at one of these booths every Saturday and our customers tell us weekly how amazing our produce looks and tastes, and more importantly, how much cheaper it is than in the grocery store. Being a starving college student like everyone else, I find that shopping there is easy on my conscience as well as on my wallet.
Sure, organic produce from Safeway seems silly; I certainly wouldn’t buy it. But don’t think Safeway is your only option. Choosing food wisely is becoming one of the biggest things you can do to help your environment and local economies, and to get some really good food cheaply.
Kevin Belanger
Master’s student, Environmental Studies