MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

ABSTRACT: Cancer and other health issues are increasing with a large rate in the past few years. Currently, scientists and doctors are working hard to find a real treatment for cancers. Many people believe that eating healthy food helps staying away from disease, even cancers. Organic farming is growing fast lately and plays a key role in producing healthy food. Organic standards prohibit synthetic herbicides and pesticides, antibiotic, artificial hormones, and genetically modified organisms. Minimizing exposure to bad toxins can reduce the risk of cancer and other health problems. Organic farming helps to protect soil, water, and air quality with practices like crop rotation, cover crop and composting. These practices sequester carbon, reduce harmful waste runoff and help ensure that the farmland will continue to be fertile and productive into the future. Healthy plants produce great-tasting food. Local and organic food are usually raised in accordance with the seasons and using varieties chosen for flavor rather than other factors so the vegetables taste fresh and clean. The University of Maryland’s Department of Dining Services, in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Office of Sustainability, broke ground on “Terp Farm” Spring 2014. Terp Farm is a four-season, sustainable farming operation located 15 miles away from the College Park campus that produces vegetables for use in selected dining halls and on the Green Tidings mobile dining food truck. Moreover, the Terp Farm initiative helps providing fresh produce to students, faculties, and members of the campus.
WC: 247

READER'S PROFILE: I imagine a reader who never cares about an importance of eating healthy food. He/She may prefer buying canned food and fast food rather than spending time to shop and cook a healthy meal.

READER'S RESPONSE: I personally do not think cancer drama would happen to me. I am very busy with school and work. I do not really have time to go to the groceries store multiple times a week. Even when I decide to cook, I never buy organic products because there are really expensive. I have been eating conventional food for years but I am still good and healthy. Is organic stuff really worth it? I personally do not think so.

A -- I think the cancer risk reduction is a bit of a stretch here. What about talking more about organic farming as better for soil conservation and carbon sequestration?

People prefer to eat organic for a number of reasons, including a very generalized reduction of risk of cancer. See me to discuss this.