Yuyutsu

point taken although their are always exceptions to the rule.

David Leyonhjelm's special interests / conflicts of interest pretty much speak for themselve's don't they?
Was there ever any chance he was going to be anything other than highly selective and biased?

Each to his own I guess!
We have a beautiful vege garden and prefer home grown only because it tastes better but I can tell you organic has a lower germination rate and does not produce as well!

The expression "A fool and his money are soon parted" is given life by the "organic food" market. Organic food does the same for your health as a Gucci bag does for your purse carrying ability. It allows you to feel smug.

Yes a fool and his money are soon parted.

In 2008 I completed a Permaculture Design course. It has many similarities to growing fruits and vegetables as the 'organic' industry do.

I can attest 100% that using the principles I learnt, companion planting, building healthy soil, crop rotation, water sensitive design and seed saving to name but a few, I now grow more fruit and vegetables than my family of 4 can consume, even during the harsh Perth summer and in winter.

As I seed save, I do not buy seedlings or other additives for my vegetable garden.

I spend about 2 hours per week, tending the 'patch' and I know from experiment the food we eat is saving us a bundle of money and it also looks and tastes a whole lot better than the crap sold at Coles, Woolies and many of the local fruit and veg stores around Perth.

I have begun to experiment with grafting fruit trees and now have an apple tree that produces 5 different varieties, this allows me to harvest apples for nearly 8 months of the year.

I am sure further development of my 'patch' will result in even better yields in years to come.

As to waste, well we have none, the worm farms and compost heap solve these issues and my water gathering into tanks ensures that any water used comes at no cost.

Simple really, puts paid to a lot of what has been stated above.

My garden and it's bounty is proof positive that organic food works for me, and there is no moral or religious bent behind my ethos for doing so, it just makes so much sense, financially, socially and for my families general health, happiness and well being.

Geoff,

You have a hobby congratulations. If the 2hrs per week plus your investment in land, water tanks etc gets you some nice legumes good for you, you don't have to justify it. I believe that you believe it.