I've been wondering about two issues. Perhaps someone can reduce my fears and dispell one illusion.

First: POTENTIAL PROBLEM.

Given the recent, and not so recent, concerns over food from China, exactly who determines that Chinese organic produce is actually organic? Why would anyone believe Chinese produce is organic? Nobody can even assure us that non-organic food from China is not full of inappropriate chemicals. It is not only laced with herbicides and pesticide banned elsewhere in the world, the Chinese are adding chemicals that have absolutely no reason to be in food. One would have to be an idiot to believe fruits and vegetables -- or meat for that matter -- from China is organic just because the label says so.

Or are American companies re-packaging the imported product? Is it possible to buy organic produce and not even know it is from China?! If so, please direct me to a list of such companies. There should be an immediate boycott of their products.

Second: POTENTIAL ADVANTAGE.

Okay. I know I can grow broccoli in Wisconsin. I see a decent yield and have few pest problems. But could there be an advantage to importing -- or exporting -- organic food? Rather than using chemicals, GMOs, or other drastic measures to grow a useful nutritionally valuable crop in a country that really does not have an appropriate climate or happens to have a large population of some sort of pest, wouldn't it be better, from an organic standpoint, to grow that fruit or vegetable in the most ideal location on the planet and then ship it to consumers elsewhere on the planet. Afterall, locals can eat only so many apples or broccoli or onions or whatever happens to grow well where they live.

Just an idea. I'm not supporting or opposing the globalization of the food industry at this time. I have an opinion, but it is not relevant here.

Forward!

Samuel Fromartz wrote:

"When you wonder why organic products are coming from overseas, you will have your answer: the modest government incentives and research U.S. farmers needed to pursue organic farming weren't available. So they didn't bother to switch."

China is also inclined to sell products in the United States below cost for production and shipping just to drive competitors out of business. I think that's how they secured the ascorbic acid market.

Consider writing to your representatives. If the folks in Washington aren't interested in protecting American jobs from UNFAIR competition and American people from DANGEROUS products, I suggest asking them why they hate America so much. I'm all for fair trade, but not the !@#$ going on right now.

Stop the slide toward the lowest common denominator when it comes to fair trade, protecting the environment, protecting workers, and protecting consumer health.

Why DO Republicans hate America??? Do they WANT the terrorists to win by slowly poisoning patriotic God-fearing American tax payers so we can't defend ourselves and our children??? If Republicans are not for us, they must be against us!

Forward!