The Politics of Corn
I'm not giving up my local corn, despite the political issues.
Didn’t I just mention yesterday that I try to avoid talking about politics on this blog? Well, I can’t help myself this week. Coincidentally today we went to our local farm to pick up fruit and pies, and I also read a very good exchange about the politics of corn on the “Gourmet” website.
For those of you who are unaware, corn has come under heat lately. Journalists such as Michael Pollan, who wrote “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” and this summer’s release of the movie “Food Inc.” have made the eating public aware that the large scale agriculture in this country should be treated with suspicion. Among the greater offenses is the government subsidy of corn crops because corn has become such an important ingredient in a multitude of processed foods and non-food products.
Anyway, the essence of the Gourmet debate is whether the foodies of the publication feel they should boycott corn in order to voice a protest against the evils of the big corn industry. It’s a very informative debate on both sides of the issue.
Oh, and my position is that you’ll have to pry local summer corn out of my butter dripping fingers before I give it up. The corn from my CSA is sweet beyond belief, and by supporting my local farmer, I’ll voice my protest by having my corn and eating it too.
Comments
One Response to “The Politics of Corn”
Got something to say?
Maize is an indigenous American crop. It would make sense that America would support it to the extent it would gain great economic value. Americas major export to the world is food and food products. It would then follow that an American indigenous crop should lead the way. Maize is good, especially in this economically challenging time. If America grew less maize what would the Gourmet Boyotters suggest we grow instead? I just hope the Gourmet Boycotters are ready to man the soup lines for the displaced maize industy worker.