Yesterday there were protests in Germany and Switzerland that the high global demand for milk was not being fairly passed on to dairy farmers (they aren’t getting more money for their milk). Fair enough, when one thinks about the work put in to produce the milk, the families on the farms that need support etc etc. But, needless to say, the ‘world milk shortage’ was due to a high demand in milk powder…in this case infant formula…and the Swiss milk was being sold to Taiwan, as there is such a high demand for high quality formula there (obviously, women there have no boobs). While I can honestly say I support the Swiss and German and anyone else’s claim that profits should be passed on to the producer, I can’t really see why Swiss farmers should be subsidised to produce milk that will undermine many aspects of another country’s health (as a starter). Basically, my taxes get used via farmer’s subsidies to promote formula in Asia. It was bad enough that they were being used to promote the type of industrialisation of farming that makes my blood boil, this is a lovely bit of icing on the cake.
Additionally, I was reading up on “smart breeding” or “precision breeding” today and landed on the Monsanto website, where I found >American twang< a project that we are especially proud of, I quote: Milk Donation Project - Indonesia Tangerang, Indonesia - It doesn't always take a big effort to make a big difference. Sometimes all it takes is a glass of milk.
When a prolonged economic crisis in Indonesia put milk and other sources of protein beyond the reach of many impoverished families, Monsanto Fund joined with a local foundation to provide some support.
Working together, the Fund and the foundation donated vitamin-enriched powdered milk to a program that also offered immunizations and health monitoring to children under three in Tangerang, a community located on the outskirts of Jakarta.
What was for Monsanto a relatively small effort made a huge difference in the lives of the children. To malnourished children like these, the addition of even a small amount of milk every day is a lifeline. It helps them fight infection, develop healthy bodies and learn in school.
Add to that the encouragement and support that parents get from the program to continually bring their children in for checkups, and the way is paved for a healthier future.
What could be more important? After all, our children are our greatest and most valuable resource.
So, not only do we get to waste our tax money to promote senseless production, we also donate our excesses to development projects – after all, what could be more important, selling our unwanted crap or promoting breastfeeding?
As long as farmers get subsidised to promote excess milk, formula will be produced and promoted. As long as consumers aren’t prepared to pay a decent price for seasonal, locally produced food, farmers will be reliant on subsidies to support their families. If you really care on the breast/formula milk issue then support your local farmers, stop buying imported agricultural products, lobby your government to cut subsidies for the over production of milk, campaign to stop the powdered milk import/export business. Formula milk is an issue that is about way more that what your child drinks/drank, if it really is to be tackled, then how about every tax payer and consumer starting at the root of the problem…the international economic structures, agribusiness, globalisation, the myth of development…..? And, maybe, forgetting about some of the myths and hype that surround the whole issue?
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby. There is no buts and ifs, it is. There are circumstances where this is not possible, just are there are circumstances where other things aren’t possible. No one has to feel guilty or undermined or anything really (though I’d let you off with “disappointed”), that’s just how it is. Anyone who believes they choose to use formula is kidding themselves, your being duped into paying for something you’ve already paid for through taxes, something you could make yourself for free, your being told you’ve made a choice but you’re just doing what you’ve been told...because it’s OK, it’s nearly the same and little Sammy grew up just fine on it.
Isn’t it about time to wake up to reality?
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