OTA Responds to Time Magazine

OTA Board President Matt McLean today sent a letter to the editor at Time magazine on behalf of OTA in response to a Dec. 3 article by Dr. Oz calling organic ‘elitist’ and claiming that organic food offers no advantages over conventional food. Here is his letter:

To the editors, Time Magazine

ORGANIC– OF, BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE

I am extremely baffled why Dr. Oz equates organic with the 1%. Consumers of all economic levels buy organic because they see the value of lowering their family’s exposure to pesticide residues, synthetic hormones, GMOs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and recognize the wider planetary health contributions of organic practices. Of the people: the fastest-growing form of agriculture has over 9,000 farms in 50 states. By the people: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends organic in part because farm workers are spared devastating health effects from pesticide application. For the people: 76% of families buy organic at least occasionally, in ways that meet their budget and lifestyle. Organic is a good choice for families, not an elitist niche. I invite Dr. Oz to come share an organic dinner with my family.

Matt McLean

President, Board of Directors

Organic Trade Association

Founder & CEO

Uncle Matt’s Organic