We live in hysterical times, indeed.

A recent West Seattle Herald column grudgingly admitted that purchase of "organic" food is unsustainable to the pocketbook. The author's attempt to guide the reader from harm was well meaning but founded upon bad science concocted by an entity funded by the organic food industry. The column exhibited an emotional bias against "pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers" without stating any of their great benefits to mankind. With this bias, and without credentials, the author implores readers to take on faith that certain "industrially grown" fruits and vegetables are "risky!"

To the contrary, if one were to access a peer review of the referenced "Organic Center" one would find the following conclusion by Emeritus Professor of Food Toxicology at Rutgers University, Joseph Rosen, Ph.D. (Full report available for download at http://www.acsh.org/publications/pubID.1714/pub_detail.asp).

"The methodology in this study was anything but rigorous as results that were not statistically significant were used throughout, non-peer reviewed papers were included and much relevant data were not included. Results favorable to conventional food were ignored in some cases. Typographical errors, too numerous to list, were found throughout the report. Whoever calculated the organic/conventional ratios in the addendum should be sent back to Chemistry 101 to learn about significant figures... What I do know is that a consumer who buys organic food thinking that it is more nutritious is wasting a considerable amount of money."

Humans often seek escape through the intoxication of substances, differentness and ownership of unproveable theory. The self-worship cult of "organic" is one of those ego boosters. While most organic farmers share traits of self-reliance, independence, industriousness-over-sloth and intelligence in use of natural resources with "industrial" farmers they are responsible mostly for their own underemployment.

An underemployment that true believers are asked to subsidize through premium prices. No doubt, money is not the only reward for these farmers. Nor must money be the only object for consumers of "organic." Still, the "Organic Center" is as much a "non-profit" as its funder, Whole "Paycheck" Markets! (A hole in the ground at Alaska and Fauntleroy belies my claim!) The Organic Center is actually one layer in a multi-Billion dollar organic foods industry. Even the major supermarket chains have caught the crest of this wave. As ever, the sole mission of these stores is to harvest enough dollars from consumers to keep their owners happy. (After subsidizing paid officers and staff, PCC members wear both hats.)

But, we no longer live in a time of conspicuous consumption. We live now in the era of 5¢ coffees at 1st Avenue Krispy Kreme! Yum! We can therefore expect that luxury food sales will plummet and their advocates surface to rally the faithful with salesmanship and even long-unchallenged orthodoxy.

But let us not forget to thank the modern farmer and grocer for "industrially-grown" food that is as healthy or healthier than produced through less progressive practice. We can thank and not lambast the modern farmer for bringing to our tables the very lowest cost food possible; such that man has progressed into the Industrial Age, into the Space Age and now into the Information Age. These farmers, biologists and chemists have permitted us the luxury to pursue other than the wooden end of a hoe.

Yes, it is time for a reality check!

Craig Keller
West Seattle