We watched
Food, Inc this week, and I recommend it with one caution. Don't expect grocery shopping to be the same. Like many activist documentaries,
Food, Inc. lays a heavy hand on the industrial production of foods, a bit too heavy in some places I think, and other than encouraging people to buy (more expensive) organic foods and locally grown produce, it doesn't present much of an answer to the problems it details. Especially in this economy, paying that higher price for the "right" foods is tough for families trying to pay the rent.
The results of longitudinal research released recently in European nations found that there are NO benefits - significant or otherwise - to be derived from consumption of organically grown foods... save perhaps, for the greater profit margins which benefit to the grower/sellers.
ReplyDeleteIOW, it's a buncha' bull.
Please don't misconstrue my remarks to mean that I'm opposed to conscientious animal husbandry, or "sustainable" (whatever that means) agricultural methods, for I am not.
In fact, as I researched an issue of animal husbandry, I had a profound change of opinion on some issues, of which I think most consumers would be unaware.
Based upon veterinarian testimony given under oath before Congress, along with supporting documentation, I was shocked to learn that turkey production in California is accomplished with artificial insemination... simply because the birds are bred for such large breasts that they are rendered physically incapable of mating naturally.
And, did you know that California is THE dairy state? In fact, according to the NASS (National Agricultural Statistical Service), for over ten years, they have produced more than TWICE as much milk as Wisconsin!
Dairy cows?
Again, it's situation where the cows are bred specifically (using AI) that they produce significantly unnatural amounts of milk, much to the detriment of their physical well-being.
The long-term results of such breeding are well known. Eventual destruction of the breed.
Natural breeding allows the strengthening of the breed, whereas selective breeding cannot.
A prime example is the Collie dog. Remember "Lassie"? Once a renown breed of working class dog used for herding and other type work, breeders selectively bred the dog to accentuate certain features such as slender snout, certain shaped body, etc.
In the process, they bred out the dog's naturally strong olfactory sense, its good and intelligent brain, and a host of other strengths. Now, it's a stupid dog - all because of breeders.
I am concerned that in our so-called "wisdom," we are becoming quite unwise.