(Editor's note: Although this commentary dismisses Borlaug's critics, we feel that their claims should be clearly articulated. As this article summarizes, Borlaug was "the man who arguably did more than any other to nurture the era of monocrops, GM [genetically modified] foods, and the intensive use of petrochemical pesticides and fertilizers. He may well have saved a billion people from imminent starvation, but by doing so, say his critics, he also inadvertently helped to plant the seed for future environmental woes.")
Called "arguably the greatest American in the 20th Century" during his 95 years, Norman Borlaug probably saved more lives than any other person. He is one of just six people to win the Nobel Peace Prize, the Congressional Medal of Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And yet Borlaug, who died this past September, is scarcely known in his own country.
To borrow a phrase from the New York Culinary Institute: "Forgive us if we celebrate the end of summer." Sure, the bounty from the farm shines in the warmer weather; asparagus, berries, and delicate greens abound. But late summer brings its own windfall. This is really when the summer yield reaches its peak.
Organic food is often praised as better-tasting and more nutritious than its conventional equivalent, and it's grown with fewer chemicals. But because it typically travels long distances to get to consumers, it has a significant environmental cost.
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