What amazing insights! I wish I could say that your assessment of the conflicts between types of production are only limited to farming, however, I believe based on my own challenges this summer that these are painful lessons for much of the US economy. (Sorry I have been out of the loop and will send you a note…) Larger companies and production have created such an overwhelming advantage by over-leveraging resouces that are not sustainable so they consume smaller companies in their path.

I applaud the work you have undertaken this summer, and have learned from your insights. I have tremendous respect for the organic farmers and your learning and growing with them. It brings me hope about the possibilities for change…for the better. Greed and fear remain tremendous motivators in the States. It is seen most acutely now in the health care reform debates. The extreme right is organizing its constituents to disrupt Town Hall meetings and sprend mis-information to generate fear of loss, rather than generate compassion and commitment for those with no health care. It is the same mis-information propagated by the pesticide and large farming industry.

Oh BTW since I think you are heading back to the States soon, you may want to read the NYT magazine article (8.2.09) “Out of the Kitchen” by Michael Pollan. The article starts with a focus on Julia Child and the recent movie “Julie & Julia,” and talking about her profound influence in bringing French Cooking to the US, and concludes with as assessment on how the US obcession with national cooking shows and eating out is leading to less understanding of what we eat and greater obesity. He is really amazing and know you would love the article.

Thank you for sharing you thoughts, travels and wonderful insights.

Much love,
Auntie Nee’