25 October 2007

Crazy mixed up criteria

I often buy organic foods but don't rely on them exclusively to feed myself. I am realistic enough to realise that if this ball of rock is going to be able to feed the 9 billion people that will crowd its surface in about thirty years' time some considerable amount of intensive, non-organic agriculture will be required. Nonetheless I just do not understand why the Soil Association, responsible for certifying organic products in the UK, has decided that it should consider the mode of transport used to bring products to the UK in its certification process. Even more so I don't understand how they can come up with guidelines that say that foods can still be considered organic if they have been shipped via but only if Fair Trade guidelines are adhered to.

Listen - just stick to an assessment of the farming methods involved and let us, the consumer, make our own decisions on transport method and remuneration of farmers and agricultural workers. We're smart; we can do it. OK?

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