Stints working on a dairy farm and as a commercial fisherman convinced Barry Estabrook that writing about where food comes from was a lot easier than actually producing it for a living. He divides his time between New York City and a home on 30 acres in Vermont. He tends a small flock of heritage turkeys and a dozen laying hens, and his gardens keep his family supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables from May through November.
Barry Estabrook
Contributing Editor

barry estabrook on gourmet.com
food politics
Politics of the Plate: Sweet Victory
Courts are ruling against genetically engineered crops, but where does the Obama administration stand?
09.30.09
food politics
Politics of the Plate: The Conscientious Carnivore
Can meat be a part of an environmentally sustainable diet?
09.21.09
- Keywords
- politics of the plate,
- nutrition/diet,
- sustainability,
- meat,
- barry estabrook
food politics
Politics of the Plate: Talking the Talk on Sustainable Food
The USDA’s new Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative is a nice symbol, but will it actually change anything?
09.17.09
food politics
Politics of the Plate: Score One for Farm Workers
For the first time, a large Florida tomato grower agrees to increase wages and eliminate worker abuse in its fields.
09.10.09
- Keywords
- politics of the plate,
- food policy,
- agriculture,
- farming,
- barry estabrook
food politics
Politics of the Plate: Obama’s Fish Faux Pas
Thanks to the current administration’s inaction, the Gulf of Mexico will soon become home to unsustainable fish farms.
09.09.09
- Keywords
- politics of the plate,
- food policy,
- farms+fish,
- aguaculture,
- barry estabrook
food politics
Slideshow: Farm Auction
Portraits of a sixth-generation family farm in its final day.
08.13.09
- Keywords
- farming,
- agriculture,
- dairy,
- industry,
- barry estabrook
food politics
Politics of the Plate: Selling the Farm
For a sixth-generation farming family, the time has finally come to let go.
08.13.09
- Keywords
- politics of the plate,
- agriculture,
- dairy,
- farming,
- barry estabrook
food politics
Politics of the Plate: What’s the Catch?
Finally, some good news about seafood.
08.05.09
- Keywords
- politics of the plate,
- aquaculture,
- seafood,
- sustainability,
- barry estabrook
food politics
Politics of the Plate: Casting the Food Safety Net too Wide
A bill recently passed by the House could have detrimental effects on small farmers.
08.03.09
- Keywords
- politics of the plate,
- food policy,
- food safety,
- farming,
- barry estabrook
food politics
Politics of the Plate: Salmon on Drugs
A new report indicates rampant antibiotic use at Chilean fish farms, which supply most of the U.S.’s farmed salmon.
07.30.09
- Keywords
- politics of the plate,
- aquaculture,
- farms + fish,
- seafood,
- sustainability