Author stirs debate among students, faculty, industry

By MATTHEW WEAVER
Capital Press

PULLMAN, Wash. -- They didn't agree with what he said, but students, farmers and others welcomed the debate author Michael Pollan stirred up with his Jan. 13 presentation at Washington State University.

Senior animal sciences major Hannah Gamble, whose family is in the beef industry, saw the event as an opportunity to talk with the public about the industry.

"It's healthy for us to talk about the different ways we do things," she said. "It just gives us as producers the opportunity to enlighten people."

Vicki McCracken, a WSU agricultural economist, said she uses some of Pollan's materials in an advanced food economics and marketing course. She asks her students to identify Pollan's key arguments about the food system and analyze whether the facts support his stance.

She agreed with Pollan that farmers would follow a new policy if it offers incentives.

"If there's a need to make major changes in the entire food system, then there needs to be food and farm policy that creates the right incentives," she said.

Genesee, Idaho, wheat farmer Russ Zenner said Pollan raises valid questions about the way food is produced and the industry's reliance on fossil fuels.

"He is a spokesman for the food activists in this country," he said. "They are leading the way where food-buying habits are going."

Washington Cattlemen's Association President Dick Coon said Pollan brought up issues many industry members have debated.

"When he's talking about processing animals and respect for that animal, a lot of us feel very deeply about that," Coon said.

However, Zenner and others said Pollan overly dramatized some details in an attempt to make his argument.

"I'm not going to say he was not truthful," Zenner said. "The whole crux of what he's saying creates legitimate debate."

Coon said the pictures of a feedlot Pollan used in his presentation don't represent a typical operation.

"Common sense tells you your care of that animal is paramount," he said.

Coon said the industry should not be afraid to speak about the issues Pollan raises.

But there was one point on which the rancher wasn't willing to see Pollan eye-to-eye.

"If he gets his wish and promotes a Meatless Monday, I would just as soon see a No Driving Tuesday if we're worried about our carbon footprint," he said.