The craze for “organic” foods grows apace in America, with otherwise rational people choosing to pay twice as much or more for foods labeled “organic” as for conventional foods.
Does that make sense?
Not much.
Claims that “organic” foods are healthier than non-“organic” have a hard time finding any empirical justification. Claims that “organic” foods are locally sourced and more environmentally friendly, too, fall short.
Those interested in learning the problems with the “organic” food craze can get a quick introduction from Julie Kelly’s “When ‘Organic’ Food Isn’t,” in May 25’s National Review. For a deeper look, go to two articles in the Washington Post that she links. And for still deeper analysis, try former “organic” food inspector Mischa Popoff’s book Is It Organic?
Why does all this matter? Partly because people who think they’re improving their health by buying “organic” generally aren’t. But partly, too, because hundreds of millions of dollars are being wasted that could be used to much greater benefit.
Featured image “Visiting an organic farm – animals” courtesy of Suzette, Flicker creative commons.
Tom Coleman says
Most organic ” food” is a rip off for unsuspecting urban dwellers that have no idea what the concept even entails. I am a farmer and rancher and I don’t buy or raise organic food because all food is organic by nature!? Many of the former practices of using growth hormones and antibiotics in cattle and chickens especially was outlawed by the government years ago many of the products used in the past are no longer even available. Even though some of them where very effective and safe just the idea was considered dangerous by the public and therefore was either forcefully or voluntarily stopped by ranchers and farmers. When the consumer talks the farmer listens especially when it effects his bottom line!!