Organic…..where to now?

Yes! Organic food production has been conclusively demonstrated, by science in support of common sense, to be more healthful, for both people and planet, then conventionally produced counterparts.

Seriously, who wants petrochemicals and a multitude of other toxicants in their food, in their food-chain, and in their neighborhood? These things ravage our health and the health of our ecosystems (a whole other post)!

After about a half century of hard work our Organic and healthfully minded community has developed demand in support of a large multibillion dollar healthful alternative to large scale industrial agriculture. 

This healthful alternative now hangs in the balance as large corporations and their powerful lobbyists infiltrate policymakers and move toward eliminating these alternatives.

There are several mechanisms by which this elimination is actively occurring. Several main issues are large scale corporate acquisition of smaller values-based companies, altering organic certification standards, and an overall lack of supply chain clarity. 

For example, check out Cornucopia Institute’s Who Owns Organics. They are doing a great job reporting on the work of Dr. Phil Howard, a Professor in the Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies program at Michigan State University.  Dr. Howard is responsible for the creation and updating of the organic food business consolidation chart on Cornucopia’s site.

In my view, it is clear and disturbing that a majority of the Organic industry is now owned by large-scale food processing entities.  

Also, check out the Organic Consumers Association as they point out numerous specifics on the lowering of Organic certification standards.

Yikes! So then, where to?

I came across a good post: Should “Organic” Have Stricter Rules? by Kyla of the Alternative Consumer. In fact, it was she and one of her commenter’s who inspired me to this post.

She asks a great question! And, one commenter stated a resounding yes, Organics should have more strict rules.

I respectfully disagree. We need more than this! We need less confusion all around!

The question points out some serious issues in need of careful attention. However, I do not believe that the solution lies within the realm of more strict labeling and certification requirements. Or even legislation for that matter.

In my view, it is what it is. And, if people keep buying it, it will keep on coming. This is all commerce here and now that there is money to be made in Organics, they will keep coming!

I believe solutions for improvement involve corporate transparency, authenticity and respect for the dignity of all consumers. Given the correct information, consumers, generally speaking, will make the correct choice.

We have seen this occur in the development of the green, Organic markets. People want what is good for them and the planet. The confusion sets in with smokescreens. We need to advocate for clarity and careful understanding of supply as then and only then would conscious consumerism be given the chance to work with the full potential that it has.

I want all the information in clear form when making my consumptive decisions and in effect as I vote with my commerce.

Comments

[Todd Pesek, MD]

Ok, BilliMurgents, I'm waiting! Please do.

[BilliMurgents]

Hi. I think you're wrong. I'm sure. I can prove it.

[Tyra Sledge]

I have been interested in organic foods lately, escpecially after meeting a Vegan co-worker who only deals with organic foods. Its very scary to think of the numerous toxins we unknowingly place in our bodies as we consume processed foods. Although I dont know much about organic foods, the benefits can only be more beneficial than what is being comsumed by millions of Americans today.

[Acai Berry Pills]

I'm always into discussions on anything organic, so this read made me feel at home.
I'll bookmark the site and subscribe to the feed!