In an era of escalating food politics, many believe organic farming to be the agrarian answer. In this first comprehensive study of organic farming in California, Julie Guthman casts doubt on the current wisdom about organic food and agriculture, at least as it has evolved in the Golden State. Refuting popular portrayals of organic agriculture as a small-scale family farm endeavor in opposition to "industrial" agriculture, Guthman explains how organic farming has replicated what it set out to oppose.
Author(s): Julie Guthman
Edition: 1
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 264
Tables......Page 10
Abbreviations......Page 12
Acknowledgments......Page 14
Maps......Page 18
1. Agrarian Dreams......Page 20
2. Finding the Way: Roads to Organic Production......Page 42
3. Organic Farming: Ideal Practices and Practical Ideals......Page 61
4. California Dreaming: California’s Agro-Industrial Legacy......Page 80
5. Organic Sediment: A Geography of Organic Production......Page 108
6. Conventionalizing Organic: From Social Movement to Industry via Regulation......Page 129
7. Organic Regulation Ramified......Page 160
8. The Agrarian Answer?......Page 191
Appendix......Page 206
Notes......Page 218
Glossary......Page 238
References......Page 240
Index......Page 256
