you get what you pay for,

i'm reading It's a Long Road to a Tomato by keith stewart, an organic farmer in upstate new york who sells at the union square greenmarket and is particularly well-known for his garlic. on the eve of a prospective vote (and veto?) of the latest farm bill, here are a couple notes for you:

Cornell researcher, David Pimmental...estimates that we pay an annual $10 billion price tag for environmental and health costs associated with pesticide use. At the human level, Pimental [sic] has calculated that pesticide use results in 10,000 to 15,000 cases of cancer, annually, and 300,000 incedents of food poisoning. When you pay $1.99 for five pounds of carrots, it may feel like you're getting a bargain. But it's a phantom bargain...Under out current system of farming, you'll be paying the balance at a later date - on your tax bill or at your doctor's office.

after watching sicko this weekend, it seems like the united states government does a very good job of helping huge, neccessary industries deliver poor product at a gigantic profit. let's see: agriculture? health care. oil comes to mind.

guess i shouldn't complain. after all, it's my government. maybe i ought to help do something about it.