RODALE INSTITUTE - GARY MILLSPAUGH

 
Gary Millspaugh, Senior Director of Development for Rodale Institute, visited Emmaus Rotary this past Thursday. Gary has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University, a Bachelor degree from Elmira College in New York, and attended Kent School in Kent, Connecticut.  He shared some enlightening facts about organic gardening and foods.  The Rodale Institute's mission states, "Through organic leadership we improve the health and well-being of people and the planet."
 
 
Gary discussed how our general farming practices seek to generate the most amount of food for the lowest cost.  This effort has led to reduced nutritional value and increased toxicity of our food.  Mainstream farming uses an incredible amount of pesticides and genetically modified seeds.  Many of the chemicals which were common in the 1970's, such as DDT, have since been banned. In fact, from 1996 to 2006, the EPA banned 270 other pesticides from commercial use due to their harmful effect on humans. 
 
The ultimate point is that current mainstream farming practices continue to be a long term health concern to humans.  Thus, the Rodale Institute is seeking ways to scale organic farming methods to improve as many people's health as possible.  Gary explained the four cornerstones of organic farming.
 
1. Compost
2. Cover Crops planted and turned over into the soil
3. Crop rotation
4. Reducing the amount of plowing and tilling
 
Gary explained that, with proper planning, use of natural items and the power of Mother Nature, organic farming has the ability to overtake unsafe farming practices.  Organic cooperates with nature, whereas production farming often competes with nature.  It may take more time, but the public is starting to listen to the benefits of organic seeing through the propaganda against it.  The more supply that is produced, prices of organic foods should naturally decrease over time. 
 
Food labeled "USDA organic" is the only food that is truly chemical free.  Gary warned us to beware of GMO, CNG, sustainable and natural on food labels.  He used a video to illustrate how non-organic food companies are riding on the coat tails of actual USDA organic foods.  Citing the study of over 200 experts, Gary suggested that if you are able, buy and eat organic foods for your own well being.