Sri Lanka is on a path to agricultural collapse. Its president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, declared an economic emergency on August 31, 2021. Why? One reason is a bizarre agricultural policy. In April, Sri Lanka’s cabinet “approved a ban on importation of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals in the bid to become the first country ever to practice organic-only agriculture.” It requires all farming to be organic within 10 years. This puts farmers in the country in a dreadful … [Read more...]
Caution—“Organic” Foods Ahead
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" … [Read more...]
