Solari Food Series: Navigating Organics with Ronnie Cummins

13 Comments

1. As a former certified organic grower, both food and plant sales to consumers and organic gardeners, I knew listening to this guy would raise my hackles. (I put off listening to this interview for that reason). Harry Blazer is incredibly polite and diplomatic; kudos Harry. As soon as this “political activist” (his terms) started talking and couldn’t even answer Harry’s first question, “What IS organic food”, I knew we were in for bloviation in the first order. Good grief.

   While I do appreciate his diligence in “keeping the government’s feet to the fire”, Mr. Cummins does his own action disservice by pontificating on global warming and the misunderstanding regarding the effects of raising livestock. While grass fed livestock is clearly best (assuming that the grass hasn’t been fertilized inorganically!), producers do have the option of feeding organic grains and hay in areas of the country, like TEXAS, where grass growth is inconsistent. It is tough being an organic producer. Period. (I still raise organic chickens and eggs.)

   He is absolutely correct in the importance of producing organic locally/regionally. He could have explained why the cost of organic food production is more expensive (an insect population can devastate your crops over night, for example, and organic fertilizers for field production are rare and costly) but that the rewards in human health are worth it. I simply wish that Mr. Cummins was a better speaker, and would stick to what is absolute fact about the importance of growing, buying and eating healthy food. The topic is too important.

   The comments from other Solari subscribers (below) is testament to that fact.

   Circle W Ranch

   1. 🙂

   2. I respect the guy for what he has accomplished and for his intentionality. And also for his knowledge. He has put together a great resource at his website. If you haven’t spent time there, I think you would find it useful.

      When you deal with older guys who have been at it a long time and who have a lifetime of wisdom and experience, I like to be respectful and give them the leeway to say what they want about what they want. That is one of the reasons I did not edit things out. And sometimes that can mean that the speaker will go on a journey that not everyone appreciates. But that is also why we have a transcript – a much more efficient way to get through the interview – and an easy way to gloss over the parts that don’t resonate. I assure you, he has good understanding of what it takes to “be certified organic” or comparable and the challenges involved in doing things right – in ways that protect the planet. I have a large tolerance for diversity of style – especially when it comes to those who have accomplished what Ron has on behalf of many folks who will never know who he was or what he did to help maintain integrity in our food supply. When he is gone, I will look back and be happy that I gave him a chance to speak his mind and say what was in his heart on the Solari Food Series. Perhaps others will too.

2. Ronnie Cummins is an old windbag. I don’t need leftist lectures.

   1. This is going to take all of us – of every political philosophy – to protect the integrity of our food system. Cummins has spent a lifetime trying to protect our food system. You and I are the beneficiaries. He is also pro-human. I may disagree with him on how to best achieve a human world – but I appreciate that he works and cares for a human world. Trouble is he would be a lot more effective if he understood the real deal. My challenge is to get folks like Ronnie to do that.

   2. He has spent almost a lifetime fighting for healthier, safer food and better farming practices while holding the government’s feet the fire. Far from being a windbag, which is generally regarded as someone who does a lot of talking and little action (A talkative person who communicates nothing of substance or interest). He has lived a life of action and substance. At the very least, he deserves some respect even if we disagree with his politics or political analysis – because of his expertise and intentionality when it comes to organics.

3. I truly wish that people speaking about a certain subject would stay on point. Here is a very informative lecture on organic food by an individual who knows everything about his subject; but wants to give a political lecture about global warming, Bernie Sanders (?)and which political parties are to blame for GMO! One thing he did not address is the fact that the average person may know how to eat more health foods, and organics; but cannot afford to do it at the price that is charged in the stores. Not everyone out there has food co-ops, and farmers markets to choose from. Big farming is done for “big” populations. This is a lot easier to do in Europe, as they understand the concept. The last time I was in France; I shopped everyday for my food from the locals….not so easy to do in the States or for that matter, in Mexico…..unless you can get to street vendors. The average middle class person with 4 kids to feed does not buy “organic”, and will not until the price comes down.

   1. Much easier in Europe. It is easy here if you are lucky and in a place with a strong local food ecosystem. Otherwise very difficult. Absolutely right.

   2. Now a days almost everywhere, there are local markets in season where farmers, who care about doing the right thing, are selling their produce for reasonable prices. There are also now year round supplies of 100% pasture raised meats, eggs and poultry, which can be acquired via mail but also directly from farmers in many communities throughout the country. Personally, I would rather eat organic rice and beans more often than put any conventional food that contained GMO’s or animals that were fed GMO’s that had been laced with Glyphosate. Often times it is a question of prioritization. $800 iphone and cable or safe food.
      It is easy enough in USA. Sorry, no excuses.

   3. He has it right in that many things that are troubling our world today are related and if various activists were able to cooperate more effectively, despite their political preferences, they would have a lot more influence, political power and better results.

4. Excellent information. I love my farmer’s market at Union Sq NYC.

5. Good overview of the complexities of labeling these days, and briefly touched on a more stringent accrediting system aimed at grass fed only. Middle 20 minutes devolved into a political rant that detracted from the issue.

   1. I wanted to give him free reign to talk about the things that were important to him. And despite his political cosmology (or perhaps because of it), he has worked hard on everyone’s behalf and his website is a great resource.

Comments are closed.