I don’t re-blog often, but this piece totally knocks it out of the park. A must read.
This question has been weighing on my mind recently. For the past several weeks, I’ve read several different opinions and assumptions that farming organically means that scientific knowledge and research is thrown out the window. I’ve also heard opinions that organic farming is not as innovative as conventional farming. In addition to this, I’ve seen organic consumers being shamed for purchasing products (supposedly) produced in a manner not supported by scientific research. Now, as an organic farmer, allow me to try to explain why I believe that these assumptions are neither accurate nor warranted. Here’s why:
When I take stock of our farm practices on our transitional organic dairy farm, I find that I can say with emphasis that I firmly believe that organic farming is just as science based and as innovative as conventional farming, especially in these three areas: sustainability, animal welfare, and technology.
*Disclaimer: this…
View original post 1,182 more words
The Fanning Mill 
Jack Linton
April 21, 2015
No, organic farming is not anti-science. However, I think that the pro-organic political movement very often is. Activist NGOs like the Center For Food Safety have strong anti-science rhetoric, and as a result many folks in the general population are blind to the fact that science is key to making organic farming work and improve over time. Many people that I talk to (organic farmers and consumers) outright disagree with me when I say that developing the science of organic production is the key to making it more mainstream (ie greater than 1% of total cropland). Even publications from scientific research facilities like the Rodale Institute are often steeped in anti-science rhetoric.
Rob, I love your blog and you have a great thing going here. Please keep doing what you do. I often feel that talking openly and honestly about agriculture technology could jeopardize my career as an organic farmer. The world needs more people like you to take leadership roles in the organic movement.
LikeLiked by 1 person