Michael Pollan on Democracy Now

Food Rules author Michael Pollan was interviewed on today’s Democracy Now. I just sat through the entire interview so you wouldn’t have to. If you’ve read any of his books, there’s little here that will be new to you. But if you’re new to Pollan, give it a listen.

At one point, he says:

I eat much less meat than I used to. And I don’t think the answer is, you know, giving up meat.

He goes on to talk about why “well run rotationally grazed” cattle on grass is “a way to organize meat production that will reduce its carbon footprint dramatically.”

But what about the animal suffering and slaughter? As usual, Pollan shrugs off the benefits of meatless eating without bothering to address these topics. It’s a shame Amy Goodman didn’t press him on this point.

Pollan is at his best when talking about the National School Lunch Program:

The School Lunch Program, I think, is one of the most important programs we have and tools we have to basically change American health and change the food system. Right now, that program is, in effect, a disposal system for surplus agricultural commodities.

Not a bad interview, but ten minutes of Jonathan Safran Foer beats an hour of Pollan any day. Link.

Related posts:

1. Michael Pollan Dodges the Discussion with Jonathan Safran Foer
2. Michael Pollan Seeks Food Rules
3. Alicia Silverstone and Michael Pollan on Oprah Today