Tuesday, 10/22/02

The USDA's new rules for labeling "organic" produce are entirely infuriating. In addition to mandating limits on pesticide use and setting up an inspection regime (as well as banning genetic modification, and going after some straw men like cloning), nothing certified organic can employ irradiation.

I love irradition. I've never met anyone opposed to broad-based food irradiation who wasn't wearing a tinfoil-lined hat. Irradiation is good for me, and the classy new green and white "USDA Organic" sticker might as well announce, "The 'E' in 'E.Coli' Stands For 'Extra'".

I also found it rather droll that "small farmers" are exempted from the federal rules. The definition of a small farmer is less than $5,000 in gross annual agricultural income. I'm a small farmer! It's almost time for me to harvest my annual crop of Christmas cookies. 12:05AM «

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