The Omnivore's Delusion/Delima

        The Hurst and Pollan debate on agriculture discusses the effects of modern agriculture on the economy as well as how it effects the body, and its humane implications. Pollan feels as though modern agriculture is demonizing food as we know it, not only making it unhealthy, but doing so through un-humane practices, such as the mass production and slaughter of animals. On the flip side, Hurst argues that we can not feed 5 billion people, or the world, without using modern technology. 

        I find myself sympathizing with Hurst more than Pollan. Hurst creates a strong ethical appeal, since he is coming from the standpoint of someone in the agricultural business rather than someone who has not lived the farming lifestyle. In Hurst's article, "The Omnivore's Delusion: Against the Agri-intellectual", which is a rebuttal against Pollan's book, "The Omnivores Delima," he discusses why modern technology is efficient, better for the economy, and has the ability to feed more people. He argues that technology has brought us closer and closer to ending world hunger, and the GMOs aren't all harmful in that they can be create larger crop yield and even put more vitamins into the plant; Therefore, "Farmers have reasons for their actions, and society should listen to them as we embark upon this reappraisal of our aggricultural system," (Hurst 213) 

        Pollan, whom is also the creator of the "Food Inc" documentary, makes very strong points when he argues that food as we know it is loaded with corn starch and corn sugars. It indeed has been increasing obesity rates in America, since corn syrup is used in almost every sugary foods. However, halting the usage of the corn crop would be illogical since corn is used in over 100 different ways from making baby diapers, fuel, and other products.