Ag Critics Using Fuzzy Math
March 26, 2012 Ask anyone I know and they will tell you the same thing about me – I’m no math whiz. But I am still capable enough when it comes to numbers to realize 1+1=2.
Of course, this kind of simple equation seems to not add up according to some agricultural critics, who seem to think 1+1=3. Let me explain.
By now, you may have heard that Tokyo, Japan-based Arystra LifeScience Inc. has decided to stop selling its methyl iodide brand Midas in the U.S. Used primarily as a fumigant for strawberries and other fruit crops, methyl iodide simply wasn’t selling well enough in the country to merit its continued sales here. So as I read this, 1 (manufacturers want to make products that sell) + 1 (product wasn’t selling) = 2 (company stops selling product).
Yet when I read about methyl iodide’s exit from the U.S. market, I was surprised to find several comments from agricultural critics claiming it was their opposition that got the product pulled from use. “Today, I’m really happy,” one critic was quoted as saying in the Los Angeles Times. “It feels like someone finally listened to us about something really important.” Reading this, the belief from this individual is 1 (manufacturers want to make products that sell) + 1 (product wasn’t selling) + 1 (critic opposition) = 2 (company stops selling product).
In my book, this is a classic example of fuzzy math. I’m certain if the sales were there, Arystra would still be selling methyl iodide in the U.S. (By the way, the company will continue selling the product outside of the U.S., where its sales are better.)
This week, I have a business trip to visit some industry folks. In my mind, this equation reads 1 (industry companies are holding events I want to attend) + 1 (I’m leaving town) = 2 (I’m leaving town to attend industry events). But based upon the critics way of thinking, they would probably view my business trip this week by using this equation – 1 (industry companies are holding events I want to attend) + 1 (I’m leaving town) + 1 (I’m running away to avoid criticism from industry critics) = 2 (I’m leaving town to run away).
Yep – I don’t think this adds up, either.
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