The Science of Organics: Peeling the Onion to Reach Core Truths
Zoe Helene Interviews Dr. Charles Benbrook, Chief Scientist of The Organic Center
ZH: Why is Science so important to the Organic Movement?
CB: Science is important because we need solid facts and clear messaging to bring about major changes in the purchasing patterns of the average American. Clearly, there is a segment of the population that is already convinced organic foods deliver more than enough benefits to justify premium prices, but if we’re going to reach the majority of consumers on a daily basis, we have to give them stronger evidence of personal, as well as broader environmental and societal benefits.ZH: What do you think has kept the majority from opening their minds to the message of organics?
CB: It boils down to the values of individuals and what experiences they’ve had and the people who have influenced them. Those in a big hurry, who haven’t really enjoyed food as an essential part of family or their cultural identity, are not likely to be very aware or interested in messages about organic foods and farming. These people are among those who eat regularly at fast food restaurants and buy a lot of highly processed foods. But a growing number of people have come to cherish the role that food plays in the quality of life, and in particular, in human interactions. They are coming to understand their food and dietary choices have a very significant impact on health.
Until recently, seductive myths about our food and farming system have been accepted as conventional wisdom. Examples include “the U.S. food system is the most productive in the world…,” “…the U.S. food supply is the safest in the world…,” and “…food in the U.S. is a great bargain because we spend such a low portion of disposable income on food…”
In fact, none of these core elements of “conventional wisdom” are true, and in fact, they are surprisingly far from the truth. But still, these myths have been repeated so many times, most people have come to assume that they must be grounded in fact. In this way, these myths have served as a sort of collective tranquilizer on the nation’s food consciousness. Over the years, they have insulated our agricultural and food policies from some uncomfortable realities. Our food system myths have delayed long overdue critical thinking that is just now getting underway because there is a viable alternative – organic food and farming.
