The Omnivore's Dilemma: Chapter 8

                In this section of the novel, Pollan visits an organic farm, Polyface Farm that prides itself on its grass. Pollan meets a farmer named Joel Salatin who preaches the importance of grass in the food chain. Pollan explains that flesh is grass and evolution has created it so animals could convert this energy for human consumption. Pollan praises the sustainability of the farm and Salatin explains that it’s the animals doing all the work. Salatin’s farm recycles resources and puts back into nature as much as he takes out.

                Pollan also introduces a new term called the industrial organic. When comparing Naylor’s farm to the Polyface farm, Pollan lays out an obvious difference in the effects of industry on agriculture and the all organic farming techniques. Pollan has an obvious bias towards the organic model. However, Salatin says that it’s not possible for the organic food chain to expand to American supermarkets and fast-food outlets without sacrificing its ideals.

                I agree with Salatin’s practical outlook of the future of agriculture. As an “beyond organic farmer, “ Salatin holds high values for the food he produces. It is hard for this strict guideline of how food should be produce to be used on all farms. Also, Salatin only believes in selling his produce locally which means cutting out the energy to transport it to urban areas where it is more populous. This ideal of not damaging the environment is hard to follow if organic food were to supply supermarkets and other venues. I believe the big question comes down to if organic farming can keep up with feeding America like industrial farming can.

Discussion questions:

What is industrial organic?

How does the government define organic farming?