A pro-chemical group has sent a letter to the Obamas, critical of their plans for an organic garden.After being urged by organic enthusiasts, including Alice Waters, the first family has broken ground on an 1,100-square-foot garden at the White House.
But the Mid America CropLife Association doesn't like that it will be an organic garden.
Jill Richardson of the blog La Vida Locavore got ahold of the letter, which you can read in its entirety on her site.
The association, based in St. Louis, credits chemicals for the ability of a Midwesterner to buy California strawberries in March. Ironically, strawberries are one of the top 10 fruits and vegetables you should buy organic.
The group also says that "[f]armers and ranchers are the first environmentalists." We know that isn't true. Pesticide use contaminates water and depletes the soil of nutrients, not to mention causes adverse health effects in the poor people who pick the fruits and vegetables. Ranchers, of course, have pushed for legislation that allows the hunting of animals, such as coyotes, that threaten their herds.
Growing fruits and vegetables can be eco-friendly -- just not the way this group advocates we do it.
(Photo of Michelle Obama and schoolchildren breaking ground on the White House garden courtesy of Your Obama Update.)
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