Personal Injury Law

Gourmet Magazine - Politics of the Plate: The Price of Tomatoes - Slavery and Tomatoes

By Bill Marler, Esq.

A good friend sent me Barry Estabrook's article from Gourmet Magazine 'Politics of the Plate: The Price of Tomatoes - If you have eaten a tomato this winter, chances are very good that it was picked by a person who lives in virtual slavery.'

I am not sure anyone can read the article and not feel saddened by the abuse these workers take to put tomatoes on our plate. Me, I have a special thought for the workers. See, 35 years ago I left home for a very long summer and worked as a farm worker in the fields and orchards of Eastern Washington. I still cannot stand to eat cherries, apples or peaches. Clearly, I always had the option – which I took – to go back to a much different and easier life.

Have we ever thought we should simply pay a bit more for the food on our tables? Perhaps eating cheap food not only allows – perhaps encourages the 'virtual slavery'- but also forces businesses to cut corners on food safety.

Food for thought.

Full post as published by Marler Blog on March 27, 2009 (boomark / email).