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The final standards do a good job of setting the bar for a…

“The final standards do a good job of setting the bar for a more environmentally responsible kind of farming but, as perhaps was inevitable as soon as bureaucratic and industrial thinking was brought to bear, many of the philosophical values embodied in the word "organic" - the sorts of values…” quote by Michael Pollan
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““The final standards do a good job of setting the bar for a more environmentally responsible kind of farming but, as perhaps was inevitable as soon as bureaucratic and industrial thinking was brought to bear, many of the philosophical values embodied in the word "organic" - the sorts of values expressed by Albert Howard - did not survive the federal rule making process.””

Michael Pollan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Industrial regulation often strips away the deeper ethical principles of organic farming, leaving only surface standards.

In simple terms: Rules can miss the spirit behind them.

Key Takeaway

Preserve core values when creating policies.

Themes

environment policy organic farming ethics

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical policy commentary

When to use this quote

  • farmers
  • legislators
  • consumers
  • certification bodies

Key Concepts

sustainability philosophy regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can regulations reflect both standards and underlying values?
  • What mechanisms ensure ethical intent survives bureaucracy?
A Different Perspective

Policies may become overly technical, ignoring cultural and philosophical aspects.

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