What Do You Think About the Organic Label?

I just read Russ Parsons article in the LA Times, “‘Organic’ label doesn’t guarantee quality or taste: Just because it’s organic doesn’t mean it’s the best. Let flavor dictate.”

I’m sure you already know what I think about it… Parson writes,

Certainly, there is a problem with chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers when they are used incorrectly. But it’s quite a leap to suggest that because something is harmful when misused, it mustn’t be used at all.

Click here to read the full article.

Then, I read Kimberly Kindy and Lyndsey Layton’s article over at the Washington Post, “Purity of Federal ‘Organic’ Label Is Questioned.” They write,

From the beginning, farmers and consumer advocates were concerned about safeguarding the organic label. In 2003, Arthur Harvey, who grows organic blueberries in Maine, successfully sued the USDA, arguing that the fledgling National Organic Program had violated federal law by allowing synthetic additives.

 

His victory was short-lived. The Organic Trade Association, which represents corporations such as Kraft, Dole and Dean Foods, lobbied for and received language in a 2006 appropriations bill allowing certain synthetic food substances in the preparation, processing and packaging of organic foods, creating conditions for a flood of processed organic foods.

 

“The big boys like Kraft realized they could really cash in by filling the shelves with products with the organics seal,” Harvey said. “But they were sort of inhibited by the original law that said no synthetic ingredients.”

Click here to read the full Washington Post article.

My thoughts:

The Post article provides some history on organics and also details the controversies that are present in the industry-all helpful info. Parson’s article discusses the problems that the organic label can bring. I see Parson’s points on some of this, but here’s my beef with his article (and that’s organic beef)…

Parson writes that, for him, “flavor” of the produce trumps an organic label, seasonality or locality. In my opinion, it is this thinking that has gotten us into such a mess with our food system. Humans (i.e. Americans) have been spoiled with their food for the last 50 or so years. We are now used to a food system that allows us access to every possible food at every possible minute. Unfortunately, this greedy consumption is not sustainable for our bodies or our land.

The food industry has created millions of products to tempt and tease us with. Some of them are loaded with so much crap and chemicals that they shouldn’t be considered a food product at all. These “foods” have been synthetically created to taste good and to actually stimulate the brain to encourage you to crave more and eat more.

I would consider fruits and veggies to be in the same boat. We don’t need to cover our produce in chemicals to enhance growth or flavor. Let’s start to honor our land and bodies enough to desire purity in what we eat. There should be no compromise.

Sorry, I get worked up about this. Of course, these are just my thoughts… how about you? What do you think about these two articles? Do you think organics are important?