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Re: Small-farmer Sust. Agric. Economics-HONDURAS



In a message dated 96-04-23 16:53:19 EDT, you write:

>For example, many campesino farmers
>in Central America continue using traditional "organic", non-chemical
>methods that are very ecologically destructive.  Soil erosion and
>degradation are markedly accelerated by "organic" practices like slash and
>burn without adequate fallow periods, non-contour planting, severe
>overgrazing, and deforestation.  

I hate to be a pill, but these techniques do not meet any organic standards
in any country and would never be certified as such.  It very much confuses
the discussion on "organic-sustainable agriculture" to mislabel these
techniques (results of the agriculture of poverty and social inequality) as
"organic" and then claim that "organic" is not sustainable.

Ronald Nigh
Dana Association
Mexico