Sir, - Kathryn Holmquist's excellent article/review on November 25th once again highlights the need for consumers to demand answers in relation to food safety issues, and not to be fobbed off by the powers that be with false reassurances. For too long, the State has protected the producer to the cost of the consumer.
Our one small shop is involved in the "box" system of distribution for organically produced vegetables. We can't cope with the demand and have over 100 people on the waiting list, such is the demand. These are people who obviously know that what John Wargo says in his book Our Children's Toxic Legacy, concerning pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables, is only too true. It doesn't take a scientist to tell us that we simply have to drive through the countryside with our eyes open (and our windows up) to judge for ourselves.
When will the farmers of Ireland wake up? BSE, antibiotics in pork, pesticides in fruit and vegetables, not to mention the spiralling number of court cases currently being heard in relation to the possession and use of "illegal substances". Our reputation abroad for being a green island which produces clean food is rapidly being eroded. There are growing markets, both abroad and at home, for organically produced food which as yet remain largely untapped by the Irish farmer.
For our one small shop, we are forced to import organic butter from Denmark and organic milk and yoghurt from England. Does more need to be said? - Yours, etc.,
Swan Centre,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6.