Costs of the Modern Food System



Costs of the Modern Food System

What is Modern Food System?

The modern food system is defined as a food system that has initiated due to the scientific approach and sophisticated technology that has came into being due to the genetic engineering, advancement in robotics and global positioning system. The need for modern food system was there many years ago as traditional system of foods have not been able to sufficiently meet the needs of the population in these times (Jay et al, 2005). The basic idea of modern food system is that modern plantation methods, seeds, agricultural reforms have increased the yield of crops and greater output can be achieved as far as agriculture is concerned. Soil management, sustainable agriculture polices have also played its part in increasing the yield. Thus these modern technological innovations that have increased food yield. USA food system due to these technological advancements is considered as one of the more modernized and sophisticated food systems of the world (Jay et al, 2005). The average yield is being given as one of the most important factor to continue pursuing with this system as USA modern food system is one the more productive system of the world.

Never Ending Debate

As soon as this system was bringing into the use, there were many advocates of the system (Friedman, 2004). On the other hand, there were also some people who were criticizing this system. Thus it was a subject of constant debate among the policy makers and general public. Most people were not comfortable with the idea of using pest management, nutrient management and soil management as one of the more reasons that this food system is not really helping people. Some of the criticism that has been thrown at modern food system is that even though it appears on face that it is reducing the cost, but in truth, some way or another, it is more costly for the society (Jay et al, 2005). Some of the costs that are associated with modern food system are discussed below. This has to be kept in mind thought that even though there are considerable economic costs of modern food system, there are social costs as well when we talk about modern food system.

Costs Associated with Modern Food System

If one looks at the way agriculture operates, it is one of more labour intensive industries. But excessive usage of machinery in the form transportation another tools that are being employed can have a detrimental effect (Hinrichs, 2003). The increased cost of fuel and transportation does not auger well for the cost as well as they are increasing the cost outlays. Similarly on the other hand, the fuelling and depreciation cost of the machinery as well as outlays that one has to bear in the form of cost outlays can also be traced back to. This is a significant economic cost that these food systems are having on the economy as a whole (Hinrichs, ...