Lamentations/Ranting about Food Production

[feedmec00kies]

NY Times Magazine brings us another one of Michael Pollan's critical examinations of food production. (clicky) I was until now unaware the problems caused by the bee shortage; not just the financial cost at which farms will go to get them, but the mass importation. It's interesting how it defies the strict control that our government tries to maintain on introducing foreign (ha ha) insects.

I also like his criticism of the word "sustainable". I think in my last year or two of school, I probably heard some version of the word "sustainable" more than all the years prior, combined. It's the new "black" of environmentally focused food words. Move over, "non-GMO".

Speaking of "sustainability", I heard the farm bill just was passed by the Senate. And of course, there wasn't as much change (ok, none really) as one would wish. Some insurance measure that (if I understand correctly,) is "supposed" to benefit any farmers in need and not just agro-corporations, which differs... maybe? Not really any of the reform people were hoping for.

Maybe outside intervention will do the trick?

Discuss.

Edited December 17, 2007 by feedmec00kies (log)

[Chris Amirault]

I was until now unaware the problems caused by the bee shortage; not just the financial cost at which farms will go to get them, but the mass importation. It's interesting how it defies the strict control that our government tries to maintain on introducing foreign (ha ha) insects.

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Faithful Daily Gullet readers will remember this fine article on the very subject: "The Plight of the Humble Beekeper" by Shaun Chavis.