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Food is one of the most basic resources that humans need for daily survival. Forty percent of the world’s population gains a livelihood from agriculture and we all consume food. Yet control over this fundamental resource is concentrated in relatively few hands. The 2008 food price crisis illustrated both the volatility and vulnerability built into the current global food system; at the height of the crisis, the number of hungry people on the planet climbed to over 1 billion. At the same time, there are serious ecological consequences that stem from an increasingly industrial model of agriculture that has spread worldwide.
This book aims to contribute to a fuller understanding of the forces that influence and shape the current global food system. Author Jennifer Clapp explores how corporate control, inequitable international agricultural trade rules, and the financialization of farm commodities have each had a fundamental influence on the practices that dominate today’s global food system. By contrast, farmers and consumers, particularly in the developing world, have had little voice to change the rules of the game. But movements are emerging to challenge the dominant global system. The extent to which these alternative movements can displace it, however, remains to be seen.
This book aims to contribute to a fuller understanding of the forces that influence and shape the current global food system. Author Jennifer Clapp explores how corporate control, inequitable international agricultural trade rules, and the financialization of farm commodities have each had a fundamental influence on the practices that dominate today’s global food system. By contrast, farmers and consumers, particularly in the developing world, have had little voice to change the rules of the game. But movements are emerging to challenge the dominant global system. The extent to which these alternative movements can displace it, however, remains to be seen.
200 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 11, 2020
I had to read this book for class, but it was truly so so SO boring. The presentation of the topic and the material itself was so dry and disconnected from anything I could even remotely relate to. Just watch “Food Inc” instead
January 4, 2020
It has a style that is more academic than I would prefer. The chapters are, it seemed to me, independent so that a person could just read a single chapter. This led to some repetition, which made it a little more dry. Still interesting, but it should not have been a first read into the topic.
January 30, 2021
Very clear introduction to the food sector. Not only from the perspectives of eaters and growers, but also different aspects of policies, regulations, processing, technical developments, supply chains, economics, markets, marketing, politics.
October 19, 2023
Great book. It sheds some light into how our global food system works and how it came to be like this. Although due to the nature and topics of the book it can sometimes be a bit dry, it is an excellent entrance to anyone interested in the topic. Very recommendable!
March 6, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Clapp has provided an invaluable look at global food production and its effects on not only our planet but also humanity. From the industrialization of food production, food shortages, and inequitable trade agreements, we must ask ourselves in whose hands ultimately should control of a basic necessity for all human beings lie. More and more the consumer needs to be aware of where food is coming from, how it is grown and transported. Must read!
Ms. Clapp has provided an invaluable look at global food production and its effects on not only our planet but also humanity. From the industrialization of food production, food shortages, and inequitable trade agreements, we must ask ourselves in whose hands ultimately should control of a basic necessity for all human beings lie. More and more the consumer needs to be aware of where food is coming from, how it is grown and transported. Must read!
February 23, 2016
Clear and unemotive, if striving a little too hard for balance.
January 21, 2025
Interessant boek over hoe imperialisme verwoven zit in onze voedselsystemen, en hoe de toekomst eruit zal zien.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews