On 5/22/2012 11:00 AM, ImStillMags wrote:
> This article pretty much echoes my own thoughts about our food supply
> and the food products available today.
>
> http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012...-personal.html
>
> Love to hear your thoughts on the article.

The "experts" it quotes are alt-med quacks, which automatically makes
their opinions and 'facts' highly questionable. Some of the
information in the article is incorrect ('chemical' fertilizers are
not petroleum-based - the nitrogen is usually extracted from natural
gas, the phosphorus and potash are mined). Another gross assumption it
appears to make is that small farmers = honest farmers. Having worked
in the agribusiness sector for many years servicing primarily small
farmers and market growers, I could tell you stories. Lots and lots of
stories. Some of the little guys are just as likely as the big guys to
incorrectly apply pesticides or even pesticides not labeled for food
crops if they think that's what they need to do to protect their
crops. And they'll smile and tell you there's nothing on those berries
or beans if that's what you want to hear. After all, how will you know
if they're lying?

Finally, locavorism is a hell of a lot easier to do in a mild climate
where a much larger selection of produce can be grown. That's not an
option in much of the world. Those of us who grew up in the days when
produce was mostly seasonal and local know just how limited - and
monotonous - one's diet will under those circumstances. Doesn't
surprise me at all that this article is from a Washington state paper.
Practicing locavorism in Alaska or Arizona gives one far fewer food
options than, say, Washington, California, or Florida.