The Global Food System

Food systems have been in existence since the beginning of mankind. As civilizations have expanded the look of the food system has evolved to keep up with the needs of the population. Global food systems are an intricate web of food production and distribution that supply the every pocket of the world with the necessary and desired dietary resources. Global food systems provide consumers with variety and extensive meal planning options and keep producers in-demand and in production. Although we are currently experiencing a trend favoring local and/or organically grown food options, global food systems drastically impact our economy in ways that many are unaware. Without global food systems farmers of all size would feel the impact generated

With a global food system the availability of seasonal products is expanded allowing consumers to purchase items year round. Citrus fruits, for example, are only available through a global food market in Austria because the environment and weather are not suitable to grow these crops, however, they are grown year round in Florida. Access to a global food system provides an avenue for Austrians to access citrus fruits year round from other markets such as Florida. Global food systems also provide a backup plan in the misfortunate event of a shortage in a particular region. Consumers do not care if there is a shortage because of a lack of production, disease contamination, or any other factor of sorts; consumers just want their food cravings met with the desired food of choice. With that being said, producers need another source, or multiple sources, to make up the difference in regular production, in case of a failed production. These sources may come from any part of the world.

Urban areas also benefit from global food systems. Lacking in space and resources, urban areas rely on global food systems to import products to maintain population food

Global market farmers are more likely to utilize pesticides, chemicals, and genetically modified organisms that result in a higher yield of product. In addition to providing food to urban markets, global food systems provide food to under developed countries desperately in need of a food supply. Many underdeveloped counties are unable grow food due to environmental disadvantages. Global food systems allow imported foods to provide nourishment when it would be otherwise unavailable. Importing food not only allows under developed areas access to food it increases the overall health of the population (Borlaug Institute, 2014).

Global food systems are economically important in various aspects and are responsible for thousands of jobs in multiple markets. The food system moves as a result of a network of differing outlets. Farmers grow and harvest products that are transported by intercontinentally via trucks and locomotives. At shipping hulls, products are transferred to water vessels or airtransport for international exchange. Each aspect of the network is dependent upon specialized employees. Even one missing link would halt the overall network and create a