Whenever you start talking about organic food and political affiliations, many people seem to think that organic food advocates are all Democrats. Yet, the answer is not that simple and is much more complex than one might think.
In “The Politics of Organic Farming: Populists, Evangelicals, and the Agriculture of the Middle” (once on the page, click on the link that says “PDF – 786KB”), the amazing food magazine Gastronomica delves into this question and explores the matter from a historical, geographical and cultural context.
As the article points out, organic food supporters have been incredibly betrayed by President Obama. So, does that mean that Republicans are now the big proponents of organic food? Well, yes and no.
While it seems that organic consumers are more likely to be Democrats while organic farmers are more likely to be Republicans, neither side wields that much influence within its respective party.
So, what needs to happen, as the article correctly suggests, is to have both sides come together and make organic food policy a much more important topic as the 2012 presidential election nears. It is essential that we, as both Democrats and Republicans, work across party lines to promote this cause. The safety and health of our food are at stake.
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If you have never heard of Gastronomica before, please read my review of it. It is incredible magazine that explores the history and culture of food in a fascinating way.
The magazine comes out quarterly and is truly a spectacular piece of work.
Hi Max,
Thank you for this topic and the information on the non profit organizations (thanks to Food Babe for asking too). Do you have any follow up on this since time has passed? I would love to hear more from you on this. All the best to you and as you say…Live well.
Hi Ayla,
My pleasure. Organic opponents remain in both parties, including President Obama, who is a MAJOR supporter of Monsanto. He continues to betray organics on a continual basis and if GE-salmon gets approved (which appears imminent), he will have further cememted his loyalty to the biotech industry.
Hope this sheds more light on things.
Live well,
Max
Hey Max – This is a great topic to share with all of us – especially those politically involved. I was a delegate for Obama in 2008, after knocking door to door way before the Iowa primary when no one knew who he was! It saddens me that he has let us down on Food Policy – I’ve always thought more about what I can do on this front. What are the top non-profit organizations you recommend to get involved in? Who’s making the most inroads on changing food policy?
Thanks again – You rock – I’m so glad I found your site. In other news – Thinking about getting a norwalk since we don’t have any pressed juices in Charlotte, NC were I live. I used my Breville today and saw huge pieces of collard leaves not making it through 🙁
Hi Food Babe,
Thanks so much for your kind words.
1) Get involved with The Center for Food Safety, The Institute for Responsible Technology and Organic Consumers Association. Links to all these organizations are listed to the right.
2) In my opinion, individuals do not need to spend a few thousand dollars on a Norwalk. A Green Star (in my shop) is almost as good, at a fraction of the cost, and is MUCH, MUCH easier to use/clean. While the juice is excellent from a Norwalk, it is a commercial juicer. Now, if you’re going to be juicing for many people on a daily basis, then a Norwalk makes some sense. If there is no pressed organic juice in Charlotte, maybe that is your business opportunity????????
Thanks for commenting.
Live well,
Max