The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Ch 8-9

A visit to Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm introduces Pollan’s discussion of organic agriculture. Salatin’s farm relies on a very complex pasture system in which rotational grazing is employed to feed beef cattle, which are then followed by chickens that feed on the grubs and parasites in the cattle manure. Salatin has long been known as an innovator, especially in the case of grazing systems. Not only this, but he is known for being extremely smart and efficient in his use of pasture. While Salatin’s farm is not certified organic by the USDA, in many ways his operation is far more sustainable than most organic farms. Since eating organic has become a hot trend, the agriculture industry has raced to meet the ever-growing demand. This meant that the small family farms that most consumers probably envision their organic produce growing on could never harvest enough to feed the millions who believe that organic food will solve all the world’s problems. In fact, organic agriculture has become a multi-billion dollar industry, as Pollan describes with his accounts of several California farms. These farms employ techniques like biological pest control, while maintaining a high level of efficiency through modern farming practices. Returning to the grazing example, Pollan discusses organic dairies. Most utilize a drylot system, since grazing thousand of dairy cows is extremely impractical from both a feeding and logistics standpoint. In all, the reading demonstrates the disconnect between consumers and producers (i.e. farmers) and our willingness to accept anything that claims to help us live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Discussion questions:

Who, if anyone, is to blame for the misconceptions associated with organic farming? The marketing geniuses, or the consumers who believe that small farms can produce such a high volume of product?

What is more sustainable, organic agribusiness or farms such as Joel Salatin’s? Which is more likely to have an impact on the world food market?