Feeding the World Well: A Framework for Ethical Food Systems

The future of food production for the world's burgeoning population must be sustainable and ethical. The US food production systems lack diversity, are intensified, inhumane, and inconsiderate of labor. Feeding the World Well examines the costs of cheap food and presents a framework for ethical food systems, the Core Ethical Commitments, to guide consumers and producers. The book discusses the fundamental forces shaping food systems and the approaches used by food companies and nonprofit organizations to address ethical challenges. It is a textbook for food studies courses and appeals to anyone interested in food, including conscious consumers, food industry leaders, researchers, and policy makers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

The future of food production for the world's burgeoning population presents a significant challenge that requires a sustainable and ethical approach. In the United States, while food is abundant and relatively cheap, it comes at a hidden cost to the environment, human health, animal welfare, and the people who work in our food systems. The country's current food production systems lack diversity in crops and animals, are intensified but not sustainable, and are often inhumane in the treatment of animals. Additionally, they are inconsiderate of labor.

To address this pressing issue, new food production systems are urgently needed. These systems must be genetically diverse and environmentally sustainable, while also adhering to internationally recognized animal welfare and labor practices. Feeding the World Well, a comprehensive volume edited by Alan M. Goldberg, examines these costs of cheap food and presents a unique framework for ethical food systems: the Core Ethical Commitments. These commitments are designed to guide consumers in making choices that align with their values, while also helping producers enhance the ethics of their practices and products.

The book features contributions from leading ethicists and food systems experts who address complex issues such as climate change, worker exploitation, obesity, antibiotic resistance, wasted food, and biotechnology. It explores the fundamental forces that have shaped and will continue to shape our food systems, as well as the approaches that food companies and nonprofit organizations are using to address the ethical challenges facing these systems.

The Core Ethical Commitments are a set of principles that aim to guide consumers and producers in making ethical choices in the food industry. They include commitments to sustainability, animal welfare, labor practices, and transparency. By adhering to these commitments, the food industry can strive to produce food that is not only healthy for consumers but also beneficial for the environment and society as a whole.

One of the key challenges facing the food industry is the impact of climate change on food production. The book discusses the ways in which climate change is affecting crop yields, food prices, and the availability of food in different regions of the world. It also highlights the role that food companies and producers can play in reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Worker exploitation is another critical issue that the book addresses. It highlights the poor working conditions and low wages that many workers in the food industry face, particularly in developing countries. The Core Ethical Commitments call for fair labor practices, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and access to basic rights and benefits.

Obesity is another pressing concern that the food industry must address. The book discusses the link between diet, obesity, and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It emphasizes the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and providing access to nutritious food options for all individuals.

Antibiotic resistance is another emerging issue that the food industry must tackle. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in agriculture and medicine has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can pose a significant threat to human health. The Core Ethical Commitments call for responsible use of antibiotics, including the promotion of alternative farming practices and the development of new antibiotics.

Wasted food is another significant problem that the food industry must address. According to the book, a significant amount of food is wasted each year, both in production and consumption. This waste not only contributes to environmental degradation but also affects the livelihoods of farmers and food workers. The Core Ethical Commitments call for reducing food waste through better storage, transportation, and distribution practices.

Biotechnology is another area that the book explores. While biotechnology has the potential to improve food production and reduce environmental impact, it also raises ethical concerns. The book discusses the ethical implications of genetic engineering, cloning, and other emerging technologies in the food industry. It emphasizes the need for transparent and responsible research and development practices.

In conclusion, the future of food production for the world's burgeoning population requires a sustainable and ethical approach. The Core Ethical Commitments provide a framework for consumers and producers to make choices that align with their values and promote the well-being of all individuals involved in the food system. By adhering to these commitments, the food industry can strive to produce food that is healthy, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421439341