Comments on: Why are Farmers Afraid of Michael Pollan?

By: Rebecca T. of HonestMeat

Rebecca T. of HonestMeat — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:19:59 +0000

Jim- first off, the majority of farmers in this country are actually small and I would gather that they have no problem with Michael Pollan (or may actually enjoy him). So please use the preface “some” when you describe farmers not agreeing with Pollan. Also, I would agree with Jerri above that even using the term “farmers” when referring to agribusiness employees, managers, and commodity producers, might not be appropriate.
For the farmers that are doing it right (ecological integrity, low-input, humane, socially-responsible, nutrient-dense, etc.) we love the fact that writers like Pollan and Wendell Berry before him (& many others) are questioning deeply held assumptions, encouraging dialogue & debate, and getting us off our complacent, overly-fed behinds to change our food system. Pollan has created more customers for us than any other writer and we thank him for that. One day I would like to meet him in person and make him a meal with our tasty meat & eggs!

By: Mike Smit

Mike Smit — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:51:44 +0000

On the other hand, why is the PollanNation so afraid of agriculture? http://bit.ly/9ZL5c

By: Debra Eschmeyer

Debra Eschmeyer — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:41:12 +0000

Great summary, Jim. Thanks for linking to the IAASTD, a worthy read for all those concerned with the future of food.

By: Jerri Cook

Jerri Cook — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:12:04 +0000

I’ve long held that the term “farmer” has been co-opted by corporate agriculture. There’s a difference between a family farm and a commercial food production operation. Change the terminology and change the perception.