Sir, - Mr O'Rourke (February 6th) is again missing the point. The most important reason to buy organic food is because it is good for the environment. We are (at least in this country) no longer so desperate to produce food that we can do so regardless of its costs. The costs of intensive farming are declining water quality, loss of biodiversity, and dependence on a polluting chemical industry.
There is now abundant scientific evidence from the UK that organic farms are greatly superior to conventional farms in the biodiversity they support. Of course, farming is about food production, but if it can be done sustainably and without damage to the environment, we all benefit in a healthier environment. At present, organic farms are subsidised and organic food is expensive, but that will change as the sector grows. - Yours, etc.,
Ben Phalan, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.