Hey there folks, just a quick post today, It’s my last day at home with Callina and the new baby before I head back to work. On the plus side, I did get in a nice new-baby-photo-shoot that resulted in some of that extreme cuteness that I promised earlier.
Anyway, I ran across this article the other day, and couldn’t help but to hold it up as an example of what sustainable agriculture is not.
What’s not to like?
A guy growing 70 acres of organic, non-GMO corn that he sells directly to his consumers. Sounds like everything that a small, sustainable farm should be right? But what, then, could this guy possibly be doing wrong?
“They don’t know what I spent growing the crop, it’s a question of how little or how much money I lose on it.”
But maybe this fella got hit by the drought too. After all, everyone doesn’t have to turn a profit every year, you can make changes and try to return to profitability next season.
“It is a magnificent experience to be out there with the corn; As long as I can sustain the ongoing losses of growing it, I will keep doing it.”
Oh boy…
So there you have it, organic does not equal sustainable. Go take a look at John Ikerd’s thoughts on what sustainable ag really is.
A sustainable agriculture must be ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. Furthermore, I contend that these three dimensions of sustainability are inseparable, and thus, are equally critical to long run sustainability.
Two outa three just ain’t gonna cut it.
Boy, do I agree with that although I’m not a farmer, much less a successful gardener! I just know there’s way too much confusion about “certified organic” and pesticide free, sustainable growing.
With regard to the cute baby pix, there aren’t near enough of them! Get shooting Dad!!