I came up with a few straightforward questions but if you would like to ramble, I'd also like to hear any ideas, thoughts, convictions, beliefs, etc. Concerning organic food.
1. Do you think organic food is healthier/safer/more nutritious than ordinary food?
Nope. It's probably just the same.
2. What do you think is the most important benefit derived from organic farming?
Well, less accumulated pesticides in general. It might not affect the foodstuffs, but it is likely to have a positive effect on the environment close to the farm.
3. What do you think will be the role of organic food in 20 years? Will it continue to grow in the future?
It will continue to grow, but it will still be a luxury...
4. At least the world's population will continue to grow. Is it sensible to push for organic farming with its low crop yields when people are starving?
That would depend on where the organic farm is located... Also, quite a bit of economic theory, I suppose. I am not particularly well read on the subject, but assuming we have two products wanted in two countries, and one country can provide both products cheaper than the other, there is probably still an advantage to producing some of one in the more expensive country. Organic farming is just another layer of cost on the equation, and is likely to reduce the advantage of trading for the product in question if it can be produced cheaper elsewhere. Sensible? Who knows.
5. Should the use of GMOS be allowed in organic farming?
Perhaps, perhaps not. It is a difficult thing to ponder, organic farming makes a big deal out of being natural, and since GMOs are engineered not to be able to reproduce, it will tarnish the image. And for a business pretty much living on its image, that might be a hard blow...
Okay, I think that's about it. The rest of this post is stuff that I've been rolling around in my head.
I'm not very enthusiastic about organic farming. I admit that from an environmental viewpoint it is better than traditional farming (less fertilizers, more biodiversity). That and animal welfare (a matter of legislation) are the most important and beneficial aspects of organic farming, IMO. I absolutely loath the "health food" argument. I am not terrified of small traces of pesticides. People clinging to their organic foods because they are supposedly somehow more wholesome than ordinary foods annoy the hell out of me.
I happen to have the luxury of living in the northenmost country in the world that still engages in large-scale agriculture. With the short growing season and the terrible soil, the conditions aren't all that rosy for organic farming. Still, consumers want it (although it's never taken off nearly as well here as in, say, Germany) and the industry of course happily produces what people want.
"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world" - Calvin.
I'd be interested in knowing what you guys think about organic food
- 11/09/2012 08:01:41 PM
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I think it makes sense in some cases but mostly it makes you feel like you are doing something
- 11/09/2012 08:25:54 PM
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Re: I'd be interested in knowing what you guys think about organic food
- 11/09/2012 08:55:17 PM
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Re: I'd be interested in knowing what you guys think about organic food
- 11/09/2012 09:20:49 PM
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i suggest watching henry rollins' film h is for hunger. and then looking up research on gmo crops'
- 12/09/2012 12:57:48 AM
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I think organic food is a luxury that few will want as food prices increase in the coming decades.
- 11/09/2012 10:11:33 PM
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Re: I think organic food is a luxury that few will want as food prices increase in the coming --
- 11/09/2012 10:35:08 PM
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Re: I think organic food is a luxury that few will want as food prices increase in the coming --
- 12/09/2012 02:38:24 AM
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If you are also interested in more views, todays New York Times is discussing it, also.
- 12/09/2012 02:45:22 AM
644 Views
organic has always been more about the process than the extra nutrition
- 12/09/2012 04:02:53 PM
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Re: organic has always been more about the process than the extra nutrition
- 12/09/2012 04:43:02 PM
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Well...
- 12/09/2012 08:15:13 PM
665 Views
I think the organic movement is mostly a big scam: an excuse to charge more money for less food.
- 12/09/2012 11:40:40 PM
522 Views
Actually, I believe the "no pesticides" part predates the "no GMOs" part.
- 13/09/2012 05:26:53 AM
536 Views
You're right...
- 13/09/2012 08:43:52 AM
626 Views
Thanks for confirming my general impression as right on the money.
- 14/09/2012 03:35:56 PM
620 Views
Re: Thanks for confirming my general impression as right on the money.
- 16/09/2012 07:45:25 PM
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That is a very interesting overview, thanks.
- 17/09/2012 11:22:38 PM
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Curious as to where you read these things
- 13/09/2012 08:41:43 PM
577 Views
I am aware of no corroborating scientific research, no
- 14/09/2012 03:53:42 PM
602 Views
I have some serious problems with that I'm afraid.
- 14/09/2012 05:53:39 PM
493 Views
Fair enough; I have some serious fears with GMOs. 
- 15/09/2012 03:58:13 AM
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- 15/09/2012 03:58:13 AM
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Re: I think the organic movement is mostly a big scam: an excuse to charge more money for less food.
- 13/09/2012 11:05:37 AM
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