The Distinct Changes of “Food Connections”
In the article “Food connections”, David Suzuki examines the changes between traditional and modern food markets around the world. Traditional markets are regions where consumers can buy a product that is produced locally whereas, modern food markets are supercenters that offer products and household items under one location. He compares the two markets to demonstrate how the role of industrialization have change consumers perspective on the origin of food and the method of production.
To begin with, Suzuki examines the atmosphere in traditional markets in third world countries and claims that “markets gives us a sense of people” by observing the interaction between the local people and consumers. (307) In addition, the author discusses the beauty and deep connection between local consumers and nature by giving examples from his personal travels. Next, Suzuki describes how traditional markets in third world countries generally promote a variety of local fresh fruit, produce, and other of sources of protein. However, the lack of products available may vary throughout the seasons due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions. (307) In contrast to westernized “supermarkets” today who have a wide range of products under one roof, and fresh produce that is readily available all year round. (308) Suzuki communicates that seasonal variation is “minimized by importing from different parts of the world” which allows Canadians to have more access to fresh produce during the entire year. (308) Moreover, Suzuki adds that there is a loss of appreciation for seasonal foods as they are more easily accessible. Furthermore, he describes how foods is being labelled and how consumers are more concern about the artificial appearance of food rather than how they occur naturally.
To illustrate this, Suzuki provides an interesting short story about a television producer and his companion’s firsthand experience on how fruit and vegetables are grown. This short story reiterates that some individuals have no background knowledge as to where food comes from. With this in mind, Suzuki asserts that “we become so accustomed to clean food presented in plastic packages that we no longer think about where it comes from.” (308) In other words, this demonstrates that consumers are so focused on the perfectly sealed package that they lose sight of where food production originates from. He continues by saying that “organic grown food are treated and viewed differently compared to food that has added additives.”(308) Ironically, he ties the idea that “human control and management is considered normal due to labeling certain foods as organic.” (308)
Next, he provide a clear example of how intolerant society has become to pesticides and hormone products despite possibility of damaging the physical environment. (308-309) In summary, Suzuki restates that society has changed drastically and consumers are paying a huge price because they can no longer relate to the importance of how food and land are interconnected.