What you find on the plate at your favorite
restaurant is only the final step in the massive global food supply chain.
While there are still some mom and pop farms that deliver fresh products directly
to stores and restaurants, the reality of the food industry is that it has
become an enormous, corporate business. Agribusiness has transformed from an
individual-based system to one owned and controlled by investors and
shareholders.
Part of what this means is that the system
of food production and delivery, from tomatoes to steaks to hot pockets, is
dedicated to profits and the bottom line. Depending on your point of view, this
could be either a good or bad thing.
A focus on profits means that money
triumphs people, with jobs being lost and farms being shut down. It also means
that men and women in business suits in New York, London, or Dubai are more
likely to be making decisions about what goes on your plate than your local
farmer does.
Investors are the ones who drive any
corporation, and it is no different with the agribusiness conglomerates. But
that isn't necessarily bad, as that means that regular people can make money
off these companies, and even off the price of corn or wheat, through investing
on options sites such as ExcellenceBroker.com.
Furthermore, the positive effects of the
agribusiness transformation may far outweigh the negative effects. The influx
of investment money and business know-how has led to better business practices,
increased workplace safety, and even better, more nutritious food products.
While there will always be local farmer's markets, most of what you end up eating
at restaurants or at home is the product of big agribusiness, so get used to
it.
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