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After my last article, “‘Organic’ and ‘healthy’ are not synonymous,” was published, I was contacted by Mischa Popoff, author of the book “Is It Organic?” and a long-term supporter of the organic movement. His response was not only positive, but also revealed a few facts about the organic industry that were interesting and conflicting at a fundamental level. Popoff was able to provide me with a follow-up interview about his experience.
For five years, Popoff worked as a USDA contract organic inspector. “I left the organic movement when I realized it was a bureaucratic scam designed to propel a political agenda,” he said. Popoff’s arguments center on a few points: that “43 percent of all organic food sold in America actually tests positive for prohibited pesticides,” that organic-crop field testing is practically non-existent, and that the organic industry is fueling a fire against GMOs which has little to no scientific grounding.
Though Popoff presented a number of good arguments, the issue is more complicated than simply condemning the entire organic industry. From the research I have done on Popoff’s points, I’m in agreement with some of them, yet left in confusion with others.
“Some people say I’m anti-organic for speaking out with the media like this, but the truth is I’m pro-organic, and I’m trying to save the industry I love,” he admitted. Popoff’s is only one of thousands of opinions about the successes and failures of the organic industry, and it’s important to approach each new one with caution.
Read full, original post: Grace Carey: The problem with organic
