Chapter 5 Of John Obach's Organic Struggle

In chapter 5 of Organic Struggle, Obach examines the development of credibility for the organic movement and the ways in which it has spread into the mainstream of American life. Obach’s analysis gives credit for the of the growth of the organic movement to multiple forces which pushed it forward. In examining two different philosophies about the movement and what it should stand for, the tillers versus the spreaders, he examines different values which the movement is trying to achieve. Overall, Obach argues that the movement was spread significantly by resource mobilization, especially in how it pertains to resources for research and investment into getting the public to accept organic food. The credibility of the movement and the change in public perception due to research and the mobilization of groups promoting the health benefits of organic food …show more content…
The establishment of this program is also mixed between resource mobilization and political process because both were needed for its creation. While the political climate surrounding the creation of the NOP in 2002 was important to its growth and development, the efforts of individuals and advocacy groups were important to its passage and the subsequent growth of the organic movement which followed. “The organic market achieved growth rates of over 20 percent” Obach writes, “for several years following the establishment of the NOP” (138). The proponents of the organic movement, both tillers and spreaders, pushed for the acceptance and growth of the movement which resulted from the program’s creation. The debate about the importance of organic certification and the involvement of big business and agriculture involvement is still out, the resources for organic promotion which were created by the passage of the program are