WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsAuthor causes debate over controversial book on farming

Author causes debate over controversial book on farming

MADISON (WKOW) - The UW asked it's students to read a controversial book about one of Wisconsin's biggest industries, agriculture.

On Thursday night, nearly 7,000 gathered at the Kohl Center to hear Author Michael Pollan speak about his book "In Defense of Food."

Pollan recognized not everyone agrees with his views on modern farming.

"I recognize not all of you are sympathetic to my work," he said while addressing the crowd.

A lot of the critics he spoke about are Wisconsin farmers.

About 200 of them wore shirts that read, "In Defense of Farmers."

They say Pollan's book paints an unfair picture of the advanced methods used on Wisconsin farms to produce their products.

"We use pesticides, we use them judiciously, not very many. That's why we like technology to create crops that are GMO's so we don't have to use so many pesticides," said Farmer Jim MSN.

Still not all farmers were against Pollan's views.

"That's what this is about, agribusiness versus family farms versus small-scale organic farms," said farmer Tony Schultz.

UW Chancellor Biddy Martin says they picked the book as part of its new program, "Go Big Read."

It's suppose to open up discussion among students.

Some of the students at the lecture are required to read the book.

Many of the farmers in the green shirts say that's why they were there, to tell their side of the story.

Author Michael Pollan will be part of an expert panel Friday at 3:30 p.m. on campus.

To find out more, click here for the UW's Go Big Read Program website.