Organics, Continued

WAR VS. DIPLOMACY
In defining “deep-organic” agriculture, Eliot Coleman sharply demarcates his position, but ultimately, and unfortunately, isolates himself in contradictions [“Can Organics Save the Family Farm?,” September]. He notes how metaphors of war and conflict have distorted farming, but then he falls into the same trap himself, seeing the conventional agriculture establishment as an implacable enemy with whom no dialogue or compromise is possible. He observes the harm done by an economy built upon conspicuous consumption, but then salutes “astute consumers” and their “demand for exceptional food.” His call to focus on the underlying causes of problems is naive: Political arguments exist precisely because there is disagreement about what the root causes really are. Stop-gap measures aimed at symptoms are often the best that can be done because they enjoy the widest base of support. In order that the “organic family farm can save the world,” the energy and concern of Coleman and others must not be dissipated in just growing boutique produce for niche markets. Rather, the connections between farms and communities need to be strengthened; the linkages between the problems of society and agriculture must be seen as more than metaphors. Ultimately, it is because Coleman’s case must be made, that I believe his case must be made better.

Chuck McCallum
Osceola, WI

WILL AMERICA EVOLVE?
I wanted to write to thank you for giving this subject the attention it deserves. Eliot Coleman’s article on organic farming is an excellent tribute to the selfless family farmers. The idea that a governing body can’t touch the inarguably righteous deep-organic farmer never occurred to me. The way Eliot describes the family farmer’s striving for the very best foods as being the reason they would never resort to shallow-organic farming techniques simply to profit gives me a renewed hope for our country. I recently read an article about the pressure being put on France by the WTO to drop the subsidies they pay to their organic farmers so they’ll lose their farms or conform to WTO standards. The French are very proud of their good quality food and are resisting. The article, as good as it was, wrote our country off. It pretty much said that Americans were set in ways that don’t accommodate quality over quantity. I wrote the editor and assured her that there are a growing number of us Americans who would like to see us begin supporting quality foods from conscientious farmers. Eliot’s mention of raw milk was a huge bonus for me because I too consume raw milk.

Tony Rust
Minneapolis

DEFENDING THE FAMILY FARM
You must be commended on a wonderful and thoughtful article, Eliot! It is rare when the press sticks up for the family farms, especially those that are organic and are providing food direct to the consumer. You mentioned that you are choosy about your eggs and that you get your milk directly from the farm—how wonderful! This is something that we, as organic farmers have seen a great deal of in the past two years. More and more people are driving great distances to the farm to get food that they know the source of. Keep up the good work Eliot. Family-run organic farmers everywhere should read your story; it’s a blessing!

Janet Brunner
Midvalleyvu Farms, Arkansaw, WI

PROPERTY RIGHTS, CONTINUED
I am offended by Ms. Erdrich’s letter [Letters, August]. As she so clearly states, Mr. Lazor and his family have the right to build on their own property as they wish. Why would she think that a family building their home on a lot that stood empty and overgrown with weeds for years hurts anyone? When it comes to planting, clearly Ms. Erdrich is in the enviable position of never living through a remodeling or construction project. Typically, most people add plants and landscaping after all the major construction is over and its accompanying equipment has gone. (Nor would I presume to advise anyone, neighbor or not, to plant Virginia Creeper or any other plant in their garden.) Lastly, why is Ms. Erdrich singling out this new house which is fairly modest in size for the Kenilworth area—how about some of the behemoths around the lakes that cover entire lot lines, leaving no room for greenscape whatsoever?

Lori Ott, St. Louis Park