Title: Organic Idiocy (May, 2007)
Summary:
On May 7th 2007,Business Day (South Africa) published and article by Hans Lombard criticizing the credibility and value of organic produce.
Topic: Sustainable Agriculture
Category: Mainstream Journalistic
What is it? This was newspaper article from Business Day
Publication Information:
Business Day (South Africa)May 07, 2007 Business Day Edition
http://www.businessday.co.za/home
Author: Hans Lombard
Location: Business Day
Accessed: 1/30/2009 1pm
Support:
Richard Sithole, chairman of the Hlabisa District Farmers Union
President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya
This article has two sources that both support the use of genetically modified crops. They say that existing farming habits are more that capable of feeding the millions that depend on them and that their farms are absolutely sustainable, increasing production by as much as 40%.
Source Analysis:
This source is a somewhat conservative newspaper that is geared toward right wing, money minded businessmen who are less concerned with the environment as they are with profits.
Usefulness:
This article is in direct opposition with the current trend to “go green.” Africa has a food shortage issue and switching to organic farming, likely resulting in a downturn in production is not a risk people, including Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki, are willing to take. This article is pointing out that genetically modified crops have good production rates and CAN fit into the term “sustainable” because of the increase in production they have seen from year to year. What Hans is leaving out is the long term effects of genetically modified farming on the planet and on people. Hans is attempting to convey to general public of South Africa that genetically modified agriculture can serve the needs of both the farmer and consumer. The questions that this piece raises have much the same tone as Michelle Collins article Is Organic Worth it ? in The Sunday Mail.
Works Cited:
Filed under: Source Notes
[...] that Horizon Dairies do not comply with the National Organic Program Standards. Hans Lambard’s Bussiness Day article Organic Idiocy reinforces the skepticism that the value added to agriculture products by organic certification [...]