"Fairness forces you - even when you're writing a piece highly critical of, say, genetically modified food, as I have done - to make sure you represent the other side as extensively and as accurately as you possibly can"

This quote by Michael Pollan emphasizes the importance of fairness in writing. He is suggesting that when writing a piece that is critical of something, such as genetically customized food, it is essential to make certain that the other side is represented as properly and thoroughly as possible. This is very important in order to guarantee that the piece is fair and well balanced. Pollan is suggesting that it is not enough to simply present one side of the argument, but that it is very important to likewise present the opposite in order to supply a full and accurate photo. This is an essential tip that fairness need to be a priority when discussing questionable subjects.