One overarching socio-economic force that affects almost every part of the US fo
ID: 117457 • Letter: O
Question
One overarching socio-economic force that affects almost every part of the US food system is consolidation. Select two examples of consolidation in the the food and farming system, and describe how your two examples affect other aspects of the system, such as farmer choices or farm management constraints (e.g., consider the farmer "treadmill"), business constraints or opportunities, and consumer access or choice. Then, tell me if you think if you think that food system sustainability and consolidation are compatible or not, and why.
Explanation / Answer
CONSOLIDATION is the act of combining into an integral whole and make something stronger or solid. From farms to retail consolidation that together make up the food system is a GLOBAL PHENOMENON. Consolidation first came into existence before 20 years ago in the farming sector.
Recently Obama administration issued an executive order encouraging agencies to promote healthy competition in the American economy. This particular order identified some aspects of consolidation "illegal bid rigging, price fixing and wage setting" which better work to "erode the foundation of America's economic vitality". This order came up when corporate consolidation increased in America. To be honest many large multi national companies can wield more political power and influence.
Before few generations the United States food and farm economy was majorly dominated by many small family enterprises, but today four leading companies are controlling our entire farm and food economy in the United States. Farmers has to sell their products for less price leaving them vulnerable to any price offered by buyers. Instead farmers and workers in farm are facing pressure to increase production and which increase the risk of using antibiotics to animals on factory farms.
In my opinion consolidation became a serious concern of many producers and policymakers, where consolidation is eating up our entire food economy. Not the government nor companies are been suffering from this consolidation, but FARMERS are majorly affected because they face less competitive prices in market to sell their goods. I personally think that consolidation is becoming a major threat to our domestic food system, both economically and politically.
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