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