Karen Gay’s Alternative Table
Earlier this year, I attended an agriculture subcommittee meeting in the Virginia General Assembly. I was astounded by the vehemence with which the Virginia Farm Bureau and a pediatrician with an undisclosed background in nutrition attacked the idea of allowing raw milk sales at our neighboring farms. I am learning that trotting out supposed experts to government committees is typical for those who oppose direct access to foods. Members of these committees, even if they do not receive contributions from large agricultural interests, are probably terrified of being blamed for any fallout from lightening regulations.
Fallout can and does occur which regulations are loosened. Anyone who has eaten a bad shrimp can attest that the results are really unpleasant and if one is immune-compromised death can be the result. Should we outlaw shrimp because some people will die? I know that many of my readers believe that more regulation will help save lives, but it also tends to stifle individual initiative and creativity having long-lasting impacts on our economy.