Cheddar Valley Gazette News Team - May 2008

19th May, 2008, Cheddar Valley Gazette by The Kings of Wessex News Team

The Kings and Queens News Team Vox Pop

Question: "Does organic make you feel free...?"

John Male (Year 9 Student and Member of The Kings and Queens News Team):
Interviewed by Ms Owens

"To be honest, free range makes me feel better than organic food. I think it's the fact that there is a difference. I've read that scientific proof shows that free range generally produces better quality and it makes me feel better about what I eat."

Mr Brown (School Bursar):
Interviewed by Ollie Crandon and James Soffe (Year 10)

"In theory, I think that organic farming and food appears to be a very good idea. I agree with poultry being kept free range and organic, also I try to buy free range eggs, rather than those from battery hens. Despite this, organic food in practice can be very expensive, and in some cases, I think consumers are taken advantage of. For example, I have read that some luxury products like organic extra virgin olive oil, are sometimes dyed, virgin olive oil or non-organic substitutes."

Miss Jackson (Subject Leader for Biology):
Interviewed by Laura Cussons and Will Morgan-Evans (Year 10)

"No, I believe the whole prospect of organic farming is an overpriced gimmick. Knowing many farmers involved in organic farming I have come to realise it is all a con. Pesticides are the way forward, and we can all enjoy a better living through Chemistry. However, I do agree with the concept of free range animals, as it is cruel to keep animals locked up."

Mrs Slade (Christian Leader):
Interviewed by John Male (Year 9)

"In principle, yes; but as a Christian we have a responsibility to the planet. However, I have a couple of reservations. Organic food is all very well, but not everybody can afford it. Secondly, as the climate changes and less of the planet is suitable for agricultural production we will need to balance our ethics with the need to feed an ever growing population."

Mr. Holdsworth (Head of Year 11):
Interviewed by Georgia Hale (Year 11)

"Personally, I don't go overboard with organic produce, but I do always make a point of buying Fair Trade goods, making sure that every worker gets the wages they deserve. For me, it's more important to see people supporting the local produce be it fruit and vegetables or poultry and meats rather than spending a fortune on the organic range in the supermarkets."

Editorial

To go organic or not to go organic? That is the question.

It's a burning conundrum, we are constantly bombarded with images and articles of the rich and famous eating organic fruit, promoting free range meat and denouncing anything that is the slightest bit artificial (except of course when it comes to anti-ageing solutions).

But, many including myself may say 'it's easy for them, they can afford it!' It's true that these organic products are, in general, pricier but should the price be one we are willing to pay?

Overall, I think so, these products are not only better for the environment, having no chemicals sprayed on them means no chemicals can be carried into streams or the surrounding countryside, killing fish, birds and other wild animals.

They are also much better for you! In today's society we are constantly filling our bodies with chemicals and toxins. Whether it's the latest face cream, deodorant - or hair spray even. Surely, whatever opportunity we get to give our bodies a break we should seize firmly with both hands even if it does leave us slightly lighter of pocket.

But then food is always going to be a hot potato issue.


By Rosemara Mather-Lupton (Year 12)