On Sun, 16 Nov 2003 11:54 Ingrid Bauer/Jean-Claude Catry wrote Re: The Paleo Diet >Cordain with his" people pleasing " position >is supporting a way of farming that is by >essence contrary to a paleo diet. Perhaps. I look at the outcome of Cordain's book and I am a little more forgiving; I prefer to see his position more as one that effectively popularizes and spreads the Paleo way of thinking about food (and exercise/activity - this is an important complementary aspect of human life) to many who would not otherwise have come across it. >paleo diets could bring a revolution in the way >we see food production , there is more to it than >nutrients content . Eating is a mean in nature to >circulate energy , and doesn't reduce itself to >proportions of nutrients absorbed . >RELATIONSHIP with their source of foods is >what made the pre-agricultural peoples healthier >than their disturbed successors . the industrialization >of food production is one step farther in the >centrifuge spiraling away from nature. <snip> >when we will have understood this interdependence >of all species we will realise that the most productive >way of raising foods is a natural ecosystem . ... Natural >way of farming of Masanobu Fukuoka shows us the way. Very true. My own approach is a developing blend of the ideas of Permaculture, Derrick Jensen, Paleo and organic agriculture. One feature of organic food production is that the producers see themselves as focused on maintaining biodiversity and soil quality as on producing healthy food by natural means. This is the main reason for the high shop price of genuine organic food and is overlooked by those who complain about this high cost. One thing we can all do is to buy genuinely organic food whenever possible. Those who cannot afford to do so need to ask themselves if they can afford not to, as the purchase of the products of monocultural agriculture is destroying the soils, polluting the environment and misses, completely, the implications of Paleofood. There are, sadly, charlatans who call themselves 'organic' to pocket the premium price. There are, however, reputable organic certification bodies who will give us some assurance. Another thing to do is to get to know your supplier directly. I have seen many contributors to this list who visit their suppliers of grass-fed meat. Their orchardists and horticulturists should also be visited. A third thing to do is to join an organic food co-op; you'll mix there with vegetarians and vegans with whom really interesting discussions can be had in a leisurely, convivial, Paleo atmosphere. As well as acquiring good food, you will also be (a) undermining the 7-11 and supermarket hegemony and (b) supporting a sustainable model, the sort of model on which food distribution will need to rely on in the future. However in our vastly over-populated world, this is both (a) more difficult and (b) more important. Keith