By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

DENVER, Colo. — Nearly all segments of agriculture had a reaction to writer Bryan Walsh’s Aug. 31 TIME magazine cover story, “Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food.” Here’s a random sampling of what industry leaders had to say in letters submitted to TIME:

“Throughout the article, writer Bryan Walsh is quick to accept the rhetoric of organic activists, while completely discounting the important work conventional family farmers have done to feed a growing population ... between 1987 and 2007, corn farmers have significantly reduced the environmental impact of producing a bushel of corn. When can we expect to see a TIME cover story that treats hard-working American family farmers with respect for their innovation, dedication and sacrifice?” – Bob Dickey, president, National Corn Growers Association

“No doubt about it: ‘Sustainable’ food purists are working overtime to earn their reputation as ignorant elitists. Walsh’s article is full of falsehoods and misinformation calculated to capitalize on fear and guilt.” – Center for Consumer Freedom, a non-profit group managed by a Washington lobbying firm.

“In a world of 7 billion people and expanding, where malnutrition, hunger or outright famine are commonplace, it’s dumbfounding that TIME magazine would take one of the greatest American success stories – the efficient agricultural production of an abundant variety of healthy, safe and affordable foods – and turn it into an unrecognizable story of exploitation, manipulation and greed.” – J. Patrick Boyle, president and CEO of the American Meat Institute

“I acknowledge that people today have increased interest in where their food comes from. I welcome the scrutiny and want consumers to know that I take great pride in knowing that they can go to their local grocery store or restaurant and purchase food that is safe and wholesome.” – Phil Borgic, president, Illinois Pork Producers Association