Good Growing: Why Organic Farming Works (Our Sustainable Future)
There is no doubt about Professor Duram's predilections. Based on interviews and extensive examination of existing research, organic farmingisgood business--economically, ecologically, socially, and personally. In truth, the statistics are impressive for this once supposedly hippie vocation; for instance, the profession has realized a 20 percent increase yearly for some time. And 70 percent of Americans have purchased at least one organic product. Duram carefully compares costs of regular with organic farming, looking at both scientific and humanistic benefits from no utilization of pesticides to a decrease in farmers' debt. Perhaps the most intriguing section is the in-depth focus on five organic farming families, most of whom began as conventional agriculture workers. How to sustain it? By setting reasonable and clear standards, through advocacy, conducting research, protecting owners (and consumers) from corporate interests, and passing appropriate national and state policies.Barbara JacobsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved