In Chapter 8 of the Omnivores Dilemma Michael Pollan investigates both the social and physical implications fo farming in America today. This chapter is all about opposition in farming techniques. The vast majority of farming done in the US is done on an industrial scale. This industrialization creates a situation where the delicate balance of nature is interrupted. Pollan recounts a story of the time that he went and worked on what he now considers a true organic farm ( that which allows animals to interact with their natural environment in a way that doesn't destroy the ecosystem). The farm that was owned and operated by George Naylor was completely green. Because of his farming practices Naylor had no need for dangerous pesticides or chemical growth hormones.
Even though Mr Naylor was running an operation that was organic he refused to apply for a permit to be considered to be organic. He felt that by allowing new specialty stores to import all of the organic product went against one of the most important aspects of both green and organic living. Instead of buying or selling any of the products need or produced by his farm Mr Naylor has decided to stay local.
Discussion Questions:
Are the ideas of sustainability and organic living truly linked or have they been linked by society today?
Does it matter if a product is grown organic in another country and then brought to the US/ does that go against the foundation of organic living?
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