Remember seeing all those photos of First Lady Michelle Obama helping to break ground for a new garden on the South Lawn of the White House? Pundits soon followed up that President Obama would be the one who would supply the fertilizer.
The Fertilizer Institute’s Nutrients for Life Foundation honed in on the fact that it is supposed to be an organic garden, and that organic was portrayed as synonymous with healthy and nutritious. Nutrients for Life President Ford West sent a letter to Mrs. Obama pointing out “that other forms of fertilizers, such as nitrogen captured from the air, and phosphate and potassium mined from the ground, are just as efficient, if not more so, in delivering the much needed nutrients to the plants since their nutrient content is more predictable. Fertilizers are all good – they provide nourishment, just as vitamins do for people… When it comes to fertilizers, all options are healthy and people need to know that they can be comfortable choosing whichever option works for their situation, budget and space.”
In addition, TFI noted that a similar spin on organics was made in a recent interview with “slow food” proponent Alice Waters on the CBS show 60 Minutes. In a letter to Waters, Nutrients for Life Executive Director Harriet Wegmeyer said, “Your effort to educate people about growing healthy food is commendable, but flawed. While growing organic is one option, I would like to point out that other forms of fertilizers, such as nitrogen captured from the air, and phosphate and potassium mined from the ground, are just as efficient, if not more so, in delivering the much needed nutrients to the plants since their nutrient content is more predictable.” In addition, letters were sent to 60 Minutes reporter Lesley Stahl and 60 Minutes producer Ruth Streeter. Wegmeyer’s letter added that she looked forward to seeing a 60 Minutes segment that highlights all options for growing healthy and nutritious food.