An Answer for a Food Crisis

Wendell Baker

DeVry University

An Answer for a Food Crisis Regarding the calamity of lacking clean water, demand for ethanol, crop diseases, fertilizer shortages, global inflation, or the commodity prices for wheat, corn, or soybeans, any of the above mentioned catastrophes will bring a reality of a global food crisis. For an economic world of which market forces and outcomes are tremendously volatile in their impacts, all customers should be concerned. Interacting in a resilient alliance and with uncompromising collaboration between enlightened farmers and shrewd consumers together can beat and out maneuver any misfortune of a future global food crisis. A viable unconventional substitute for relying on the local grocery chain conglomerate could be an enlightened, local farmer. They could provide the answer for any precarious existence if for any reason that any type of global food crisis would affect prices or the availability of food products. The farmer will find themselves in a new situation of being their own marketer along with them being in charge of the farm as an enterprise. A thriving future will include knowing the ever changing demands of the customers who would be either placing special orders or just buying what would be grown or raised by the planter. A marketer, the farmer will become due to the fact that not only will they cultivate crops and raise stock, but understand the changing market. Also, the farmer must produce the food substances that will bring the best price for the amount of total effort that would be put into them. As Pollan highlights in his writings, “Even a small producer can be profitable so long as he’s selling an exceptional product and keeping his expenses down.” (Pollan, 2006, p. 249) The unique selling arrangement for both the farmer and the consumer can yield many benefits as stated, “Believes the only meaningful guarantee of integrity is when buyers and sellers can look one another in the eye, something few of us ever take the trouble to do.” (Pollan , 2006, p. 240) A sizable portion of the network could include the neighborhood farmer’s markets which are already popular in many locales around the United States now. This mechanism provides a straightforward method and mutually acceptable exchange of food products. Additionally, a formalized form of presenting and selling the agrarian’s wares are found between more urbanized customers and the growers. An organized party, whether family members or friends, place their lists of wants and they are in turn are completed by an entity considered a “buying club”. (Pollan, 2006, p.248) This club structure has increased in its manner of effectiveness and therefore is a steady marketing means. In a short conclusion, it works. A problem for the farmer is evident as explained, “The government is putting obstacles in the path of an alternative food system.” (Pollan, 2006, p.246) But, many other positive outcomes can come forward from the transformed system, ”It shouldn’t invest capital to reach national markets but rather should focus on local markets, relying on reputation and word of mouth rather than on advertising: and lastly, it should rely as much as possible on free solar energy rather than costly fossil fuels.” (Pollan, 2006, p. 249) The reality is that increasingly people are apprehensive about the cost, subsistence, origin, quality, taste, freshness, nutritionally fulfilling, vitamin-fortified, illness-free, and satisfying food. The awareness brings the discussion between the differences of locally grown or large-scaled farmed produced groceries. The accompanying part of the trade of food products is the request that is generated by the desires of the selective customer and the manner that they can reject the traditional grocery market franchises. The consumer’s ultimatum and demand of the unorthodox approach for the selling of food takes the realization of “Opting-out” of the standard trading structure. (Pollan, 2006, p. 248) Customers calling for better quality, food free of additives and preserves, a knowledge of the origin and growing processes, a more wholesome result, and an increasing need for peace of mind of their food supply has spawned the interest in the affirmation of the quality of food. A great way of viewing the future of this concept is as Joel viewed, “All we need to do is empower individuals with the right philosophy and the right information to opt out en masse.” (Poolan, 2006, p. 260) A negative aspect of the customer having to settle for only what is available or within the season has to be recognized. The limited selection of some specialty foods which would not be obtainable would be a definite drawback for the waiting customer. Conversely, as the writer exclaims,“ For some people, reconnecting with the source of their food is a powerful idea.” (Pollan, 2006, p.242) Additionally, he states, “I try to buy from people who are in my community and stand by their food. Don Tyson, on the other hand, stands behind a bunch of lawyers.” (Pollan, 2006, p.252) Finally, a beautifully simple business model will, and may have to, achieve success for the buyer and supplier alike. Whether it is due to world-wide problems, or just a mother who wants to make the life of their child to hold more quality, an alternative economy can be a very advantageous system to access. The interaction can add value for critical areas such as economics, health and medicine, social attributes, psychological aspects, and environmental advances. After all, consuming food and the resulting consequences is all that matters.

References Pollan, M. (2006).Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, New York, NY: The Penquin Group