Clarification is needed
The Ten Biggest Myths About Agriculture
Most Americans have an intimate relationship with food. At least, that's what The Washington Post claims. Many Americans pretend to be interested in how their food is produced. However, they are not always right.
Only 1% of all Americans are farmers. That means 99% of the US population eats food, but doesn't produce it. Where do those myths come from? In any case, it was reason enough for The Washington Post to list the 10 biggest myths.
1. Farms mostly owned by a company
This myth is head and shoulders above the rest, according to The Washington Post. Many Americans think that farms are owned by large cooperatives. However, that is a wrong guess. Nearly 99% of all US farms are family owned.
Food in America is mainly produced by large family businesses, but small businesses also still have a significant share of American food production.
2. Food is too expensive
Americans spend less and less of their income on food. In fact, Americans spend much less than other developed countries, such as the Netherlands. However, Americans do not realize that the farmer only receives 10% to 20% of these costs and therefore claim that food is far too expensive.
However, they do not know that when raw material prices rise/fall the food costs for the consumer remain constant. Just to ensure that the consumer does not have to pay a variable price. However, professionals in America, such as nutritionists, remain concerned about the relatively high costs of nutrient-rich products. Especially compared to the prices for high-calorie products, such as French fries and crisps.
3. Farmers are traditional and low tech
This is also incorrect. Self-driving cars are still out of use for the normal consumer, but tractors have been driving around the farm for years. And that's not the only role that GPS/technology has on the farm. The farmers collect data to monitor temperatures and crop yields, among other things. That farmers therefore work low-tech is not the correct conclusion.
27
procent
These different technologies improve the farmer's harvest, but also increase the demand for skilled workers. In 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that there are more jobs in agriculture than in any other industry. Of those jobs, 27% are transferred to individuals with a degree in science, technology, mathematics or engineering.
4. A pesticide is a pesticide
A pesticide is not just any pesticide, but a term for a series of compounds. There are many different classes, such as: herbicides for weeds, insecticides for insects and fungicides for example fungi. And some agents also work very specifically and target a specific insecticide.
As a result, different rules apply to the different types of pesticides. Permits are required to buy certain pesticides and many farmers ask specialists to investigate the problem and prescribe the right product based on that. So it is a lot more complicated than most Americans (and Dutch) think.
5. Organic and conventional farmers lag behind
No, that is not true. Farms that are next to each other must work together (regardless of how they grow their crops). This is because a herbicide used by one farmer can seriously damage the field of another farmer. In addition, harmful insects can also move from one field to another.
However, many American family farms grow both types of crops. It often costs more to grow organically, but the farmers can sell those crops again for a higher premium. Whether crops become more sustainable through conventional or organic methods differs per crop and region.
6. A GMO is a GMO
American farmers find the term 'GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)' frustrating. There are many more ways to genetically modify a crop, outside of a laboratory. The genetic changes are a tool that can be used in many different ways. Some examples of this are: papayas that are virus resistant and apples that no longer turn brown.
7. Only labeled meat is free of hormones
No piece of meat is free of hormones. This is because animals (and plants) naturally produce hormones. However, a human produces 10.000 times more estrogen than is found in a cut of beef from a hormone-treated cow. For a pregnant woman, that number is in the millions.
8. Only labeled meat is antibiotic free
All meat in the supermarket is free of antibiotics. An animal that has been treated with antibiotics should not be slaughtered until the drugs have left the body. The label means that the animal has never received antibiotics. This is also perceived differently by many.
9. 'Natural' food is produced differently
Natural food labels don't really say anything. At least not yet. Various parties in America want to discuss whether the term 'natural' should be more strictly regulated in the future.
However, where the line between natural and unnatural lies is unclear. Several specialists indicate that it is not relevant, because both terms say nothing about the quality or safety of the food.
10. Chemicals Are the Biggest Threat to Food Safety
Biological contaminants are by far the most common safety concern. Harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonella or listeria can contaminate meat and other food products. Thorough cooking, proper cleaning, and proper food storage are the best defenses for these bacteria.
Chemicals are much less likely to make their way into food. This concerns, for example, mycotoxins, which are produced by fungi. The Ministry of Agriculture annually checks whether food contains chemical residues. Her latest report shows that these levels are so low that they do not pose a threat to food safety.
Kimberly Baker
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