War on Agriculture

On that battlefield known as the American agriculture industry both sides, the agriculture critics and reformists, and the ag producers, appear to be gearing up for a battle of major proportions. One of the top generals of the ag critics army, Michael Pollan, could easily be considered the equivalent of that groups “talking head”. He continually spouts his eat less pay more diatribe to anyone who will listen. Problem is, he’s a journalism professor, not a nutritionist, horticulturist, or scientist.  That doesn’t stop him and it also hasn’t hurt his bank account any. What it does hurt are farmers and ranchers. The “ignore it and it will go away” approach isn’t working anymore.  Food producers must finally challenge Pollan’s and others portrayal of modern agriculture as a greedy uncaring money making machine. Is farming and ranching a business? Of course, to do either without making financial gain would be ludicrous.  Retailers don’t buy product to stock their shelves just to turn around and give it away. America’s farmers and ranchers work hard to provide safe, plentiful, and affordable food for our nation’s consumers while, like the rest of us, trying to make ends meet and provide for their families.