Comments on U.S. Food Policy: McWilliams and locavores

I recently embarked on an "eating local" challenge...

2009-09-03T22:21:31.733-04:00

I recently embarked on an "eating local" challenge -- but quickly recognized its limitations. Most, and by "most" I mean nearly all, Americans are going to require to go beyond their "local" limits to get food. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be more diligent and mindful of incorporating local foods when they are available and supporting local farms (and businesses) as well! You can follow my locavore journey at http://tastykate.blogspot.com.

I think I will skip this book, thank you very much. Sounds like it lacks substance and scientific rigor.

I also heard his NPR discussion with Michael Polle...

2009-08-28T11:23:58.260-04:00

I also heard his NPR discussion with Michael Pollen and he seemed to be back pedaling and agreeing with everything Pollen had to say, thus contradicting his own thesis. He probably walked away from the interview agreeing that even he thought his thesis was weak. Don't waste your money on this book - he isn't saying anything new except that we should eat less meat (and he did not make the distinction between CAFO meat and grass-fed locally raised animals).

My husband almost bought this book for me today to...

2009-08-27T22:49:36.775-04:00

My husband almost bought this book for me today today. I am still ambivalent, despite your post. I would urge you to post more salient details in your reviews. I can't say I gleaned any meaningful information from this overview.

His appearance on Science Friday was pretty feeble...

2009-08-27T22:33:08.814-04:00

His appearance on Science Friday was pretty feeble. It came across as petty, willfully non-conformist rebellion.

I think his central point, that sustainable ag proponents need to think more deeply about the details, is long overdue.

We really need to get away from unscientific over-simplifications (e.g. that "natural" chemicals are good and "synthetic" ones are bad).

I wouldn't exactly call myself a locavore, but I d...

2009-08-27T21:15:34.748-04:00

I wouldn't exactly call myself a locavore, but I do try to eat as much grown as close to home as is practical. I buy at Farmer's markets, but many of the vendors drive 2-4 hours to get there.

However, I like sugar, bananas, and other things Not Grown Around Here, so I try just to get sugar from organic cane grown in the US and not worry overmuch.