Called to be organic?

[gracepoole]

I’ve started trying to buy organic foods, fewer processed foods, etc., but I’m finding it difficult to know which sources to trust and whether as Catholics, we’re called to be organic. Factory farming is hardly humane – to animals or workers – and organic is far more environmentally-friendly. It seems, then, that the Church’s social teachings encourage purchasing organic foods. Of course, it’s also more expensive (hardly possible for many in poverty) and it’s next to impossible to locate some organic foods (try finding an organic, non-GMO cereal that a five-year-old will eat). This question was asked here a couple of years ago (see this), but I thought I’d see what folks here now think. Thoughts?

 

[1ke]

I’ve started trying to buy organic foods, fewer processed foods, etc., but I’m finding it difficult to know which sources to trust and whether as Catholics, we’re called to be organic.

No. There is nothing in Church teaching that prevents us using herbicides or pesticides.

Factory farming is hardly humane – to animals or workers – and organic is far more environmentally-friendly.

Or so the organic marketers would like you to think. There are plenty of organic large scale/factory farms.

It seems, then, that the Church’s social teachings encourage purchasing organic foods.

Which teaching is that? The Church has no teaching on organic food.

 

[gracepoole]

Or so the organic marketers would like you to think. There are plenty of organic large scale/factory farms.

Absolutely. One can’t simply buy anything labeled “organic” and be assured that it truly fits that description. Of course, there *are *legitimate organic products on the market.

Which teaching is that? The Church has no teaching on organic food.

Now see, I had a feeling before I even hit ‘submit’ that someone would write this. The Church *does *have teachings regarding the environment (see this) and the rights of workers (see this). These would seem to imply that factory farming, for example, presents a very real moral dilemma.

 

[1ke]

Now see, I had a feeling before I even hit ‘submit’ that someone would write this.

Because it is true. You have not posted anything that indicates the Church has a teaching that we are obligated to organic purchases.

The Church *does *have teachings regarding the environment

The USCCB is not The Church.

These would seem to imply that factory farming, for example, presents a very real moral dilemma.

That is your opinion. It is not a teaching of the Church that a particular method of farming is inherently wrong or right.

 

[Cariethra]

Organic would imply no water… water isn’t organic… Ok all nerdy science behind.

I have my own issues with the whole organic/GMO thing. I mean broccoli, ALL domesticated dogs and cats, nectarines, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, they are ALL GMOs. Terminology bugs me, if you couldn’t tell.

I agree that we aren’t being called to go organic or GMO free. I think we are called to treat our resources with respect, which I would actually say in some ways goes against organic when it comes to animals. They can’t treat a poor sick animal with antibiotics less they no longer be organic. Chickens are treated horribly even in organic farms. Cows are often treated just as poorly. It really is sad.

If anything I’d say we are “called” to go back to our roots, have a personal farm. Know how your animals are treated, because you are raising them. I don’t really like even using the word “called”. I would say it is more of a, “Really guys? I mean come on. I gave you this entire planet and all of this yummy stuff and you are stuffing your face with that yellow spongy white filled stuff. I’m not even sure what is in that.”

 

[gracepoole]

The USCCB is not The Church.

Fine. Then reread (or read) this.

 

[revert_jen]

I would say that it is not possible for all Catholics to be called to go organic. For one thing, many Catholics just can’t afford it, especially if they are open to life. Other Catholics may prefer to give the extra money to feed the poor. It’s clearly not any sort of requirement–just one of many possible actions that, if done for the correct reasons and prudently, would be meritorious.

OTOH, that does not mean that a particular individual may not be called to go organic. The only way to know is to pray and if you have a spiritual director, to discuss it with him or her.

Just MHO.

–Jen

 

[Xantippe]

There’s also no reason to think that organic farms are especially nice to their workers.

I think the OP is collecting too many ideas under the umbrella “organic”: treatment of workers, treatment of the environment, non-GMO, humane treatment of animals, etc. They do not necessarily all fit neatly under that umbrella. Also, since organic agriculture is more fuel-intensive than conventional agriculture, it’s possible to make the argument that at least with regard to use of fossil fuels, organic agriculture is less environmentally friendly.

I think what you might want to figure out is what is a deal breaker for you, to check out local farms, garden yourself, maybe do a CSA, maybe cowpool, etc. My family ranches, and up until they get on the truck to the feedlot, the calves are pretty much organic. Wheat and cereals (i.e. the stuff you are having trouble locating for your child) are exactly the sort of thing it’s probably not worthwhile to go organic for, as those are not as heavily sprayed as fruit. If you’re going to factory farm something, it totally makes sense to factory farm grains.

I don’t fuss about organic myself, as it keeps me pretty busy just trying to keep the kids eating a balanced diet, to get them to eat appropriate amounts of fruit and veggie, and to curb their taste for sweet, starchy stuff. .

 

[Michael57]

Organic would imply no water… water isn’t organic… Ok all nerdy science behind.

I have my own issues with the whole organic/GMO thing. I mean broccoli, ALL domesticated dogs and cats, nectarines, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, they are ALL GMOs. Terminology bugs me, if you couldn’t tell.

I agree that we aren’t being called to go organic or GMO free. I think we are called to treat our resources with respect, which I would actually say in some ways goes against organic when it comes to animals. They can’t treat a poor sick animal with antibiotics less they no longer be organic. Chickens are treated horribly even in organic farms. Cows are often treated just as poorly. It really is sad.

If anything I’d say we are “called” to go back to our roots, have a personal farm. Know how your animals are treated, because you are raising them. I don’t really like even using the word “called”. I would say it is more of a, “Really guys? I mean come on. I gave you this entire planet and all of this yummy stuff and you are stuffing your face with that yellow spongy white filled stuff. I’m not even sure what is in that.”

I have the same quibble with advertising jargon and pop sci being substituted for accurate terminology. Instead of “GMO” I would like to see “Transgenic” as in a gene from one organism being placed in another to produce an effect.

And “pro-biotic”, oh, don’t get me started…

 

[Beryllos]

The Catechism teaches:

2402 In the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind to take care of them, master them by labor, and enjoy their fruits. The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race.

and

Respect for the integrity of creation

2415 The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man’s dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.

There is still room for different points of view on how to follow this guidance. For example, non-organic farming may be morally acceptable if it is sustainable, meaning that the farmland is managed well, in order to maintain food production capacity for future generations. The impact of farming operations on surrounding land, for example, by depletion or pollution of water resources, or pollution of the air, should also be considered. However, I think the benefits and risks of “factory farming” are largely a matter of prudential judgement, and it is not easy (for me, at least) to draw conclusions about its morality.

 

[CarolNoel]

Are you answering the call or just thinking about it?

 

[gardenswithkids]

While grocery shopping today, I was thinking about socially responsible shopping, which is often both hard and expensive to do. I don’t seek organic per se, but rather I boycott a number of food manufacturers and stores that promote things that are morally wrong.

There’s a large degree of separation so that consumers do not bear the full moral responsible for how things we purchase are produced and what the sellers do with the money. I know that. But just knowing that I’m not fully responsible doesn’t mean that I want to eat foods that come from, (to use an Old Testament term), “unclean” places. The New Testament freed us from the old Kosher rules, so it’s not like we can’t eat things. But I understand the original posters desire to avoid certain foods and to choose food produced more in line with her moral views.

When I view the food I eat and feed my family in this light of that old saying, “We are what we eat” I *want *to be choosy. You might even say I feel called to make wise choices that reflect my moral values. I want our food to come from better places, where the animals and workers are treated fairly and where the profits don’t go towards promoting gay marriage and abortion. That’s my ideal. I can’t always achieve it. It’s nearly impossible to know the sources of all our foods, and even some foods labeled one way may be mislabeled by greedy or ignorant people. But sometimes you can know the sources. It may make you happier to support companies and people who share your values.

There’s another way to know where your food comes from–by growing it yourself. I find gardening enjoyable. There is something particularly satisfying to the soul in preparing foods that come fresh from your own garden. You might look into it. God told Adam to tend a garden, and many of us still do.

 

[1ke]

Fine. Then reread (or read) this.

You are asserting that the Church says something it does not say.

You may personally feel called to only buy organic, but no “we” as Catholics are not called to be or buy organic. You have made a lot of assumptions about both conventional and organic farming that are not true.

 

[Cathmomof6]

I would love to buy all organic foods for my family. In fact, I tried that after the birth of my first baby. I have a nutrition background and have a strong interest in food. However, now that i have 6 kids with another on the way, I have several problems with purchasing organic.

1. I can’t justify paying $6 for a gallon of milk when I can get a regular gallon for $1.99. It is way too cost prohibitive. My husband has a good job and I suppose we could afford it, but I would rather give my money to those who can’t afford to buy the cheap food. It feels wrong to substantially increase my grocery bill for organic food when there are others who can’ t feed their families the basics.

2). We live in a small rural community with a Walmart- no Whole Foods, no Trader joes, etc. While our Walmart does have a small selection of organic food, nothing extensive and most of the organic produce looks worse than the conventional. I don’t have time to travel an hour away for special stuff.

3). Feeding kids is hard!!! There is rarely a meal everyone will eat. When I was trying to incorporate more organic foods/produce, it was even worse - lots of turned up noses. So unfortunately they now eat more “kid friendly” foods and I try to get in as much conventionally grown produce as I can. It just makes life easier now. I hope someday they will all grow to have more respect for a healthy diet but for now we are making due:shrug:

 

[gracepoole]

However, I think the benefits and risks of “factory farming” are largely a matter of prudential judgement, and it is not easy (for me, at least) to draw conclusions about its morality.

Well, yes – of course it’s a matter of prudential judgement.

Are you answering the call or just thinking about it?

I’m actually *asking *about it.

You are asserting that the Church says something it does not say.

You may personally feel called to only buy organic, but no “we” as Catholics are not called to be or buy organic. You have made a lot of assumptions about both conventional and organic farming that are not true.

No one here is demanding you personally buy or eat specific foods. But I am not asserting that the Church says anything specific about buying and eating organic. The Church doesn’t provide a moral road map that includes each and every question that might pop up in someone’s life. That’s what prudential judgement is all about. The Church does say quite a bit about the rights of workers and the environment, both of which are a part of food production. Why deny this most basic and obvious fact?

 

[gracepoole]

While grocery shopping today, I was thinking about socially responsible shopping, which is often both hard and expensive to do. I don’t seek organic per se, but rather I boycott a number of food manufacturers and stores that promote things that are morally wrong.

There’s a large degree of separation so that consumers do not bear the full moral responsible for how things we purchase are produced and what the sellers do with the money. I know that. But just knowing that I’m not fully responsible doesn’t mean that I want to eat foods that come from, (to use an Old Testament term), “unclean” places. The New Testament freed us from the old Kosher rules, so it’s not like we can’t eat things. But I understand the original posters desire to avoid certain foods and to choose food produced more in line with her moral views.

When I view the food I eat and feed my family in this light of that old saying, “We are what we eat” I *want *to be choosy. You might even say I feel called to make wise choices that reflect my moral values. I want our food to come from better places, where the animals and workers are treated fairly and where the profits don’t go towards promoting gay marriage and abortion. That’s my ideal. I can’t always achieve it. It’s nearly impossible to know the sources of all our foods, and even some foods labeled one way may be mislabeled by greedy or ignorant people. But sometimes you can know the sources. It may make you happier to support companies and people who share your values.

There’s another way to know where your food comes from–by growing it yourself. I find gardening enjoyable. There is something particularly satisfying to the soul in preparing foods that come fresh from your own garden. You might look into it. God told Adam to tend a garden, and many of us still do.

Yes! Another great option is a CSA. You get to know the growers who are producing your food. You get to have conversations with them about their growing methods. And you get a tremendous variety of incredible foods that (if you’ve chosen your CSA wisely) contain less pesticides than average produce available in grocery stores.

My oldest is five-years-old and she has already demonstrated a sign of early puberty. That was it for me and hormone-laden dairy and meat products. That’s not a moral issue, per se, though I doubt I’d be a good parent if I kept shoving unneeded hormones in her little body.

 

[MomaMary8]

I have found the organic foods to be unfit for my very allergic children. It was a wake up call to see my son react to the “organic” foods but not the ones made in the run of the mill standard food factories. His allergy was corn, and the manufacturing procedures were not up to par as far as his health or my dd’s health (she has a severe nut allergy.)

Feel free to eat organic, but I’ll skip much of it.

 

[1ke]

No one here is demanding you personally buy or eat specific foods. But I am not asserting that the Church says anything specific about buying and eating organic.

Your original post asks if “as Catholics we’re” called to be organic. Your pondering is about “we Catholics”, which implies more than just you personally. The answer to that is no, as Catholics we are not called to be organic.

The Church doesn’t provide a moral road map that includes each and every question that might pop up in someone’s life. That’s what prudential judgement is all about.

Yes, indeed.

The Church does say quite a bit about the rights of workers and the environment, both of which are a part of food production.

But you make assumptions about both conventional and organic production of food that are unsubstantiated. Organic does not equal worker’s rights and care of the environment, nor does conventional equal lack of worker’s rights and the disregard for the environment.

Why deny this most basic and obvious fact?

I am not denying the Church has something to say about social justice. I am, however, asserting that what the Church has to say in no way supports your premise.

 

[gracepoole]

Your original post asks if “as Catholics we’re” called to be organic. Your pondering is about “we Catholics”, which implies more than just you personally. The answer to that is no, as Catholics we are not called to be organic.

We. As in more than one. Not all.

But you make assumptions about both conventional and organic production of food that are unsubstantiated. Organic does not equal worker’s rights and care of the environment, nor does conventional equal lack of worker’s rights and the disregard for the environment.

Take a look at something like the film Food, Inc. Prepare to be sickened. When one researches food production, it becomes clear that the safest foods are those grown locally by farmers who seek organic certification whenever such a designation is possible. Not all grass-fed beef is organic, and not all cereals that are identified as organic actually are. One has to be savvy, to be sure, which makes the whole process more difficult. Organic farms can certainly employ practices that are not worker-friendly, and so I imagine the Church’s social teachings imply that these should be avoided whenever possible, as well.

 

[gracepoole]

I have found the organic foods to be unfit for my very allergic children. It was a wake up call to see my son react to the “organic” foods but not the ones made in the run of the mill standard food factories. His allergy was corn, and the manufacturing procedures were not up to par as far as his health or my dd’s health (she has a severe nut allergy.)

Feel free to eat organic, but I’ll skip much of it.

Wow, this is an important point. Thanks for sharing!