Food Wars: The Global Battle for Mouths Minds and Markets

by Tim Lang, Michael Heasman

* "An important book that should be read by everyone who cares about how the way food is produced affects our own health as well as that of the environment and our national economies" --Marion Nestle, author of Food Politics
* Outlines policy debates on where food is to come from; who makes/grows/sells it; and what consumers can do
* Sets out the options for the future--how to provide wholesome food and a healthy environment

The growth of a single global market is having far-reaching impacts on what we eat and profound implications for public health. In developing countries, endemic problems of a "Western" diet are found alongside food shortages. What matters now is not just what we eat but how it has been produced, distributed, and processed--a global politics of food and health.
In the first full examination of these developments, the authors describe the two quite different paradigms of the production and supply of food that are competing to replace the industrial productionist model dominant over the last century. One centers on the life sciences, the other on an ecological approach. Food Wars argues that both have strong support but one dominates investment. Both draw on biology but differ in their social and political understanding. The authors argue that the outcome of the "Food Wars" is hugely important for food security and whether the enormous inequities in the present system are tackled.

Genres: Food, Economics, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2003

Reviews

[M A H THOMLINSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the second edition. It is full of really interesting, very well-researched and sometimes startling information. The authors give a resounding deconstruction of the utter failure of the existing food system- evidence that diet is a major cause of *most* health issues afflicting us today has been around for decades, yet policy continues to accept the food industry's preference for soft, "health education"-type approaches to combatting these issues.

The book spends most of its time running through what IS, while the 'Food Wars' in question are: well what comes next? Two paradigms are discussed and presented in opposition to each other and to the existing, 'productionist' paradigm.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very well researched. It was an interesting read that made me think about food choices and politics on a global scale. It was a little tough slugging because of the detailed content but just the fact that I made it through when I generally don't enjoy reading non-fiction books says a lot.

[Dr. K Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good source of background information regarding how food companies compete for your food dollar and gives nice insight into how they develop marketing strategies to out-compete each other for your "mouth". Might be dry to those who don't like academic or "dry" writing styles but this has enough juicy information to keep the reader hooked.

[Martinxo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful and informative books for anyone interested (concerned) about our food, where it comes from, who controls it and what may happen to it. Looking forward to seeing his new book, published earlier this year.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you care about what you put in your mouth, read this. Big agriculture permeates our lives, our choices and our health more than you might otherwise think. Whether your inclination is to act individually or politically, it's at least good to know the lay of the land.

[Yana Manyukhina · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my review of the book please go to http://ediblematters.wordpress.com/20...

[Marit Beelaerts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and well written, also I didn’t find it too long! There is so much to say about the topic.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating information. Horrific writing.