In 2006 we became aware of The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Even if we did not read the book, author Michael Pollan
effectively raised all of our awareness of the implications of our food
choices: the distance some of the food on our dinner plate has travelled, the inputs
used in growing our food, the labour conditions present in the production of
other food, and the sustainability of our whole food system. Pollan’s other
concern is agricultural policy, and how subsidies, some overt, but many covert,
affect our food choices.
On the heels of that book came The 100-Mile
Diet: A Year of Local Eating. This is one couple’s account of life
when they had set themselves the challenge of eating only food grown within 100
miles for a year. Inspired by that account, others have set themselves
identical or similar challenges. All the people I have heard talking about this
experience say the same thing: the discipline was a good experience, one they
encourage others to try, but it is not a discipline they intend to follow for
the rest of their life. They do not advocate it as a lifestyle.
Now there is The Localivore’s Dilemma. The book seems
to make some good points primarily in drawing attention to the fact that long
distance transportation may not be as large an energy input in the production
of our food as say, the heating of a greenhouse. Had they stopped there, the
book would be a good contribution to the whole food discussion. Unfortunately,
the authors seem exceptionally intent on debunking The Omnivore’s Dilemma and The 100-Mile
Diet. Without that emphasis, the book would be much more helpful to
us as we make food choices.
Perhaps more helpful is The Resilience Imperative, a book I have
been reading lately. This book suggests that with regard to our entire way of
life, things have been going well. Nevertheless, shocks will come, whether they
be the result of financial breakdown, resource depletion, or political
breakdown. How well are we prepared for such a shock?
Our food system is predicated
on a number of largely unexamined assumptions. The first assumption is that
cheap fertilizer made from distant fossil and rock deposits will always be
available. Conventionally, large quantities of energy are needed in both the
production and delivery of food. The second assumption is that this energy will
always be available.
A few dedicated researchers at
the University of
Manitoba are devoted to
developing a food production system independent of imported fertilizers, and
less dependent on fossil energy inputs. If these questions concern you,
consider attending the Natural Systems Agriculture field day in Carman July 23.
At the South Eastman Transition
Initiative we discuss and delve into these important questions. Join us
Thursday, July 26 as we spend the evening with Kim Shukla and Richard Whitehead
of Stonelane Orchard discussing the challenges and rewards of growing food
without chemical inputs.
Eric Rempel