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Don't need to take sides in 'food fight'

I'm an Illinois farmer refusing to take part in the "food fight." Recently, a woman whom I like and respect quite a bit shared her feeling about being torn between the "seemingly opposing sides" of the "local, heirloom, organic, grass-fed, humanely raised, sustainable, non-GMO, antibiotic-free, free-range" farmers and those who farm using conventional methods.

I am writing today to explain that you don't have to choose a side.

I have neighbors who own several hundred acres and grow vegetables using conventional methods and sell them at their roadside farm

stand. It's the size and method that works for them.

I also have a friend from the farmers market who owns just one acre and grows heirloom vegetables using organic methods. Her veggies do cost more due to the cost of organic certification and market expenses, but she's found a niche for herself, so this size and method works for her.

Each has chosen what works best for them, not necessarily "a side."

So to my friend and other consumers who are struggling with food choices amid overwhelming labels, adjectives, and headline-grabbing, myth-based marketing campaigns, I say pick whatever works best for you. Don't be misled by fear-mongers and unjustified guilt. Ask questions of those who are actually growing the food. Buy what you want given your own budget and preferences.

And remember that it doesn't have to be all or nothing; there is no rule against buying conventional one day and organic the next. Whether you're buying food for your family at a small farm stand, the local farmers market, Jewel, or Costco - with no adjectives or a list of adjectives as long as your arm - know that there's a farmer at the other end who made choices, too. There's no wrong answer.

Michele Aavang

Willow Lea Stock Farm

Woodstock

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