For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s Environment and Climate Resource Center page, Organic Transitions page and our Genetic Engineering Page.

As a longtime writer and activist campaigning for decades on food and farming issues, most recently Prop 37, the California Ballot Initiative to label genetically engineered foods, I am reminded daily of the allure, indeed the addictive pleasure, of single-issue organizing. Despite the constant frustration of being the underdog in a David versus Goliath battle, it’s great to have an avocation, not to mention a paying job, fighting Monsanto and its minions.

It’s immensely gratifying to thoroughly understand, backward and forward, an issue like genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or organic agriculture

It’s stimulating to read and share dozens of articles and emails every day in my area of expertise, to stay in touch with other foodies working in the “buy local,” “buy organic” movement across the continent. It’s ego boosting to see my name, or my organization’s name in print, and to see thousands of “shares” and “likes” on Facebook.

Let me tell you. There’s nothing better than hanging out with the activist fish in our little pond. Nothing more satisfying than fighting the good fight, even if the bad guys always seem to win.

Or is there?