Many agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides or genetic modification, are attempts by farmers to produce more food, quicker and cheaper. While this is admirable from a capitalistic standpoint, consumers must decide whether they agree with these practices or not. If not, then they will demand foods produced in a natural way, without any artifical interference. They will demand
organic foods. The term "organic" means different things depending on the type of food. Organic produce has been grown without the use of conventional pesticides, fertilizers, sewage sludge, radiation, or chemical additives. Organic meat and dairy products have been obtained without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic foods also have not been genetically modified.
The
organic movement began following studies of sustainable agriculuture, and comparisons of new argiculture techniques with traditional farming methods. The resulting studies led to the rise of community gardens, and the formation of various farming and consumer groups. As the number of "organic" food producers began to grow, consumers began to ask for standards in ogranic farming. During the 1980's, these groups lobbied for the government to regulate what foods could be called "organic." As a result, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) adopted many certification standards through the
National Organic Program. Today, you can find Cheetos, Kellogg's cereal, and other major brands carrying "organic foods" as well as many locally produced and specialty food products.
What started as a rebellion against questionable food production methods has become a mainstream industry accounting for 1-2% of total U.S. food sales. According to a
2003 report by Jerry Dryer:
"While conventional food sales have been increasing at a snail’s pace, total organic food sales have been growing at a rate of about 20% per annum for more than a decade, according to estimates from the Organic Trade Association. Organic milk and dairy products have led the parade." "Sales of organic milk and dairy products totaled about $600 million at retail during 2000. Sales of all organic foods during that year approached $9 billion. Organic sales should top $11 billion this year and $18 billion by 2005."
The organic movement is not without its critics. The Libertarian
CATO Institute published an
article in 2001 about the federal organic food standards. They decried the "new U.S.-government-sanctioned myth" that organic foods were healthier than foods grown with conventional agricultural practices. While we can agree as to whether organic food is heathier or not, I believe it is besides the point. The issue is about people buying food produced in a way consistent with their own wants and needs. The federal regulations simply help to establish standards that inform consumers.
Now while the organic movement has involved minimal regulation until now, there are lobbyist ogranizations who promote the use of government power to force people to grow, purchase, and consume organic foods. One such organization is the
Organic Consumers Association (OCA) , who believe that the USDA has not done enough to regulate organic food. Check out four of their
six stated goals:
"The conversion of American agriculture to at least 30% organic by the year 2015, including major reforms in agricultural subsidies and appropriations to help family farmers make the transition to organic, develop local and regional markets, and adopt renewable energy practices."
"A global moratorium on genetically engineered foods and crops."
Both of these goals would use the coercive power of the state to prevent farmers from growing what they choose to (or what they wish to sell), and force farmers to grow what other people think they should be growing.
"Fair Trade and economic justice, not so-called corporate-driven "Free Trade" as the global norm."
This goal smacks of contempt for the capitalist system and corporatations who are now helpig to advance the organic food movement and raise the public's awareness about what they are eating. Instead of praise for meeting the demand of their consumers (and the positive market externality of consumer education), they are met with scorn that they are not doing enough! Most likely, the OCA would push for federal legislation to implement this goal.
"Universal health care with an emphasis on prevention, nutrition, and wellness promotion."
This goal leads me to question the agenda and purpose of the OCA. While marginally related to food, it points out the elitist, big government ideology of the organization's leaders. I point out the dark side of the organic food movement for two reasons. First, I hope to caution you that such people are out there, and secondly, it shows how well intentioned people can be manipulated by those with socialist agendas. I urge everyone who supports the organic food movement to let the free market handle the production and sale of this commodity. It has worked up until now, and will continue to work into the future.
The organic food movement is a capitalism success story because it illustrates the power of the free market. Growing consumer demand led to the creation of new companies and responses by established corporations. Nobody used government power to force anybody into eating organic food. The role of the government was to determine what constitutes "Organic" and then ensure that those wishing to call their food "Organic" meet the necessary standards. What began as a local grassroots movement has blossomed into a multi-billion dollar industry, all due to the free market and the combined power of individual consumers like you and me.
