I agree the agricultural production/marketing system has its problems. I also do not intend to get into an "us vs. them" debate, and that was not my intent in my initial posting. On the contrary, I hoped I could promote some understanding of why a farmer may not wholeheartedly embrace organic agriculture.
I know organic farmers who switched from conventional because of health concerns. I also know that these organic farmers don't hesitate to treat their brocolli with Bt when diamond backed moth threatens their crop. Conventional farmers (at least those in this area) use many of the same pest management practices of organic farmers - crop rotation, mechanical cultivation, planting cover crops, planting a variety of crops, etc. ) The point I am trying to make is that we all make choices. Most growers want to farm sustainably. After all they want to be able to continue farming and want to pass the farm on to future generations. They chose to farm rather than go into some other profession. Farming sustainably also includes making a profit so they can continue to farm next year and the years after.
A farmer may chose to sell to the established market or not sell at all. Given the choice, I think most people might decide to work and get paid rather than have no income. Farmers in northeastern North Carolina are diversified and grow a variety of crops. Do farmers in your area really have the luxury of going out and "playing with their machinery" while their wives tend gardens to feed the family? The picture you paint is not one with which I can identify.
Aren't we all trying to get away from spraying a "cocktail of chemicals.?" Conventional farmers as well as organic. It takes courage and committment to be any kind of farmer these days. Conventional farmers also see their efforts wiped out by drought or floods, or hurricanes. Farmers do not set out to destroy the ecosystem. They are aware of the effect of pesticides on beneficial insect populations, for example. They use chemical pesticides only when necessary. They monitor their crop, the pest popualtions and beneficial populations. They look at the whole system. But in order to be in business for the long term, they also cannot afford to let their crop die from a "natural cause" that can be treated. How long can any of us survive without any income?
Gardening is great! Many vegetables and fruits can be produced locally for local consumption with improved quality, less transportation and packaging (fossil fuel use). Most people will also need to rely on commercial sources for grains (rice, wheat, oats, corn) meat, and dairy products (if they choose to eat them).
I'm sorry. I wish I knew of a low cost alternative. Any suggestions? Many people do make decisions on an economic basis, because they see that as the only choice they have. I cannot presume to tell a low income individual that they shouldn't buy the cheapest product because of the way it was produced. Some people have that choice because of their economic situation, others don't.
I am just an extension agent trying and learning and helping farmers work towards sustainablility through Integrated Pest Management. I work with both conventional and organic farmers. I am also a part time farmer (at one time - full time), so I can relate to farmers and their situations. I am not debating or defending organic vs. chemical agriculture. I just feel we need to try to understand where people are coming from and not get into the trap of passing judgement or assuming that if some individuals choose to go in one directions, everyone else should be able to do so, as well.
Thanks for your comments.
Marjorie Rayburn
(These are my personal comments and opinions and do not necessarily reflect
those of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service or N. C. State
University.)