You published an excellent commentary on the Cal Poly panel by Sonja Swift (“What possessed Cal Poly to pick Gary Smith?”
Oct. 29). It was very well written and covered most of my observations of the panel. There was one glaring observation that escaped notice by most that Sonja did not mention. Michael Pollan: one child, very sustainable; Myra Goodman, two children, sustainable; Gary Smith, six children, not sustainable. If everyone is going to be as prolific a breeder as Gary Smith, we will need CAFA raised meat, and giant agribusiness to help feed the population. If people have no children, or adopt, or limit their family size to one or two children there may be a chance for a sustainable future.
I am thankful to know that Bear Creek Farms is raising another generation of local farmers and wish Swift success in her endeavors.
This article appears in Nov 12-19, 2009.