Watch the trailer for "What's Organic About Organic" to get a preview! Surely you've heard the arguments: "organic isn't any healthier," "organic food is too expensive," "organic doesn't mean anything," or maybe you've seen Penn and Teller's take-down of the "Organic tastes better argument." During the last 12 months, a slew of anti-organic messages have been promulgated in the media. Good thing filmmaker Shelley Rogers has spent the past five years of her life putting together a movie that not only refutes most of these bogus talking points, but gives us an up-close look at what organic agriculture really is (as well as addressing some of the criticisms brought against it). Rogers' conclusion, after years of work and research, is that organic isn't just a question of personal health, and that standards really do make a difference. But rather than telling us this, she lets the experts -- farmers, scientists, activists, doctors, and ecopreneurs -- explain from their knowledgeable and frontline perspectives. This film arrives at a critical time as it doesn't just explain how organic food IS actually a healthier choice for the individual, but delves into how "organic farming can be used as a soil and air protection system, a healthy solution to toxic pollution and an innovative means to combat global warming." There are a number of upcoming screenings happening in New York City, with panels hosted by luminaries from the locavore and foodie movements, including nutrition expert Marion Nestle, NYC restaurateurs Jimmy Carbone (Jimmy's 44), Carlos Suarez (Bobo) and others. If you're not in the NY Metro area, check out the website for screenings or to host one in your community. "What's Organic About Organic" Schedule of Panelists Monday, June 21 – 7pm screening Topic: The challenges of bringing organic food to the NYC population, the trend of urban farming and the replicability/scalability of the organic farming model Hilary Baum, Co-Founder of Food Systems NYC and Founder, Baum Forum Tuesday, June 22 – 7pm screening Topic: Organic farming as a solution for climate change Paul Mankiewicz, Executive Director, Gaia Institute Karen Washington, President, NYC Community Gardens Coalition Maria-Paolo Sutto, Director, Urban Design Lab of Columbia’s Earth Institute Wednesday, June 23 – 7pm screening Topic: The ability of farmers’ markets to create a direct relationship between people and their food and farmers Michael Horowitz, Director, Greenmarket Program, GrowNYC David Hughes, Operations Manager, Greenmarket Program, GrowNYC Bob Lewis, US Department of Agriculture and Markets Thursday, June 24 – 7pm screening Topic: Restaurants and organic farming Elizabeth Meltz, Director of Sustainability, Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group Patrick Martins, Co-Founder, Heritage Foods Jimmy Carbone, Owner, Jimmy’s 43 Carlos Suarez, Owner and Head Chef, Bobo Restaurant Ian Marvey, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Added Value Friday, June 25 – 7pm screening Topic: Reconnecting urban and rural food systems Scott Chaskey, President, NOFA-NY Peter Hoffman, Chef, Back Forty and Savoy, Member of Chef's Collaborative Adriana Velez, Brooklyn Food Coalition Saturday, June 26 – 2pm matinée Topic: Fun with composting (bring the kids!) Christine Datz-Romero, Founder & Director, LES Ecology Center Saturday, June 26 – 7pm screening Topic: The benefits of a field-to-fork relationship Joan Gussow, Professor Emerita of Nutrition Education, Columbia University John Gorzynski, Farmer/Owner, Ornery Farm and “character” in WOAO? Claudia Keel, Director, Dr. Weston Price Foundation Sunday, June 27 – 2pm matinee Topic: The benefits of organic food for child health and development Annie Novak, farmer and founder of Growing Chefs Yonnette Fleming, Urban Gardener Sunday, June 27 – 7pm screening Topic: Organic nutrition and food retail Marion Nestle, Professor of Nutrition, New York University Anne Saxelby, Owner, Saxelby Cheesemongers Urvashi Rangan, Environmental Health Scientist, Consumer’s Union and “character” in WOAO? Dennis Derryk, Founder, Corbin Hill Farm Marty Mesh, Executive Director, Florida Organic Growers and Co-producer, WOAO?
Jacquie Berger, Executive Director, Just Food
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Dr. Walter Crinnion: Are Organic Foods Healthier?
If one based what foods to eat on the level of nutrients they provide, then organic foods would already be a good choice. But, is there evidence that these foods really help us to be healthier?
