The Chairman of the world’s largest food company, Nestle S.A, has expressed his doubts about whether the world could survive on organic food products long term.
Nestle S.A. Chairman of the Board Peter Brabeck-Letmathe reportedly made comments at this month’s Salsburg Festival, saying it may not be practical or realistic to expect the global food demand to be met by organic propducts, Fast Company reports.
"You have to be rational – there’s no way you can support life on earth if you go straight from farm to table,” Brabeck-Letmathe.
“It sounds good.
“It is good.
“We have to help our farmers who make these products.
“It allows them to create added value for people who are willing to pay for it… [But] it’s a privilege.
“We also have to think of the world food supply."
He also said organically raised crops yield 30 percent less than produce grown through conventional agriculture, so it eliminates the option of using it to feed the world outside of wealthier sectors who can afford the luxury.
He also claimed the manure used to fertilize organic crops is unsanitary and leads to the death of up to 40 people per year.
Brabeck-Letmathe also reportedly claimed that the organic food market has reached its peak and is unlikely to grow larger than it already is.
Image: Organic Connections