DOUBLE STANDARDS

Our modern society, born out of the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, enjoys the benefit of several technologies that can be used to save lives. Most think of airplanes, computers, automobiles, lab devices, among other crucial inventions. I’ve wondered why we do not add tractors, combines, precision ag. devices, and fertilizers to the list as well?

Without a doubt, the Green Revolution of the 20th century has allowed developed countries to modernize their cropping systems with new field techniques, which have made possible record achievements in crop yields, food supply, and hunger alleviation worldwide. Nevertheless, according to statistics from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), 795 million people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life. Furthermore, the number of people suffering from hunger is higher than the number of deaths caused by AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Therefore, common sense tells us that fighting hunger through efficient production of accessible foods can save a huge number of lives.

On the other hand, the Cultural Revolution of the 20th century seems to have affected our ability to weigh the facts. The world’s many, who are at risk of hunger-related disease and death, are relying on us to keep the focus on a healthy and affordable global food production system. Much like society’s self-imposed need for the latest smart phone or high performance sneaker, by focusing only on premium health- or so-called “environmentally-friendly foods”, agriculture risks creating a food system afforded only by the financially elite. Our conventional food production systems are not trendy, but are essential for food security, considering the present need to feed millions suffering of malnutrition.

To help us weigh the facts on the food quality debate, I suggest a scientific review published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition entitled Nutritional Quality of Organic Foods: a systematic review. You can access the article via this link >http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2009/07/29/ajcn.2009.28041.full.pdf+html<

Enjoy the read!

Eros Francisco
Deputy Director, IPNI Brazil Program