Agrarian Dreams: The Paradox of Organic Farming in California (California Studies in Critical Human Geography, 11)

In an era of escalating food politics, many believe organic farming to be the agrarian answer. In this first comprehensive study of organic farming in California, Julie Guthman casts doubt on the current wisdom about organic food and agriculture, at least as it has evolved in the Golden State. Refuting popular portrayals of organic agriculture as a small-scale family farm endeavor in opposition to "industrial" agriculture, Guthman explains how organic farming has replicated what it set out to oppose. In this groundbreaking study of organic farming, Julie Guthman challenges accepted wisdom about organic food and agriculture in the Golden State. Many continue to believe that small-scale organic farming is the answer to our environmental and health problems, but Guthman refutes popular portrayals that pit "small organic" against "big organic" and offers an alternative analysis that underscores the limits of an organic label as a pathway to transforming agriculture. This second edition includes a thorough investigation of the federal organic program, a discussion of how the certification arena has continued to grow and change since its implementation, and an up-to-date guide to the structure of the organic farming sector. Agrarian Dreams delivers an indispensable examination of organic farming in California and will appeal to readers in a variety of areas, including food studies, agriculture, environmental studies, anthropology, sociology, geography, and history. In an era of escalating food politics, many believe organic farming to be the agrarian answer. In this first comprehensive study of organic farming in California, Julie Guthman casts doubt on the current wisdom about organic food and agriculture, at least as it has evolved in the California. Refuting popular portrayals of organic agriculture as a small-scale family farm endeavor in opposition to "industrial" agriculture, Guthman explains how organic farming has replicated what it set out to oppose Contents List of Tables List of Abbreviations Acknowledgments Maps 1. Agrarian Dreams 2. Finding the Way: Roads to Organic Production 3. Organic Farming: Ideal Practices and Practical Ideals 4. California Dreaming: California's Agro-Industrial Legacy 5. Organic Sediment: A Geography of Organic Production 6. Conventionalizing Organic: From Social Movement to Industry via Regulation 7. Organic Regulation Ramified 8. The Agrarian Answer? Appendix Notes Glossary of Key Terms References Index Julie Guthman. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 221-236) And Index.