By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:44:07 +0000

I fully understand the systemic analysis of our food economy and it’s influence on the quality of food we are offered. However, isn’t it too convenient, and unrealistic, to place 100% of the responsibility for the food choices offered to consumers on the ‘system’? For example, isn’t the depopulatoin of our farm land partly due to the economic choices farmers make (seeking more economic security from getting a wage job than farming)? Doesn’t consumer demand play at all into the equation that determines what food is on the shelves at the WalMart in Saint Bernard’s parish? Does Cargill decide which people will grow a garden which will not? I don’t disagree that corporate agricultural interests (indeed, even foreign policy) play a dominating role in the quality of our food supply, but a closer, more detailed analysis might show that there are factors which are not entirely controlled by these interests – by the ‘system’. This is important, because it is here where change can take place – these are the achilles heel of the food industry. For this reason, food coops have survived, even thrived in some places, as an alternative outlet for healthier foods. Direct from farm purchasing by stores, restaurants and consumers is growing. These represent small chinks in the system’s armor, but they have influenced policy. For example, US govt. labelling (i.e. sanctioning) of organic foods was a major step forward to support the market for organic foods. This was only possible because consumers made choices, retailers (like food coops and then major natural food retailers) listened, as did restaurants. This created significant demand for higher quality food, which changed national policy. There are other opportunities where there are weaknesses in the corporate system that can be exploited for a better outcome. You know this, because you’re working in one of those opportunities, trying to figure out where the right combination is that will bring good food to people who don’t have it now.

Comments on: Why’s everyone talking about food all of a sudden?

By: Bob