Over the years, the Food and Health survey has found that consumers are concerned with sustainability when they make food and beverage purchases. This year’s survey is no exception. Consumers are looking to buy food products that are sustainably produced.
The food industry aims to responsibly use natural resources (water, energy, soil, plants, and animals), minimize waste, and support the economic and social aspects of our global food system. To feed 7 billion people, it takes quite a bit of food, but it also takes proactive effort to responsibly manage our food resources and protect the Earth.
Sustainability starts on the farm because that is where food comes from. Farmers and ranchers use various techniques to take care of animals and crops and simultaneously use less water, land and energy to produce all the food we need. Advancements in science and technology have also allowed for more efficient methods of planting, harvesting, and storing of farm products. In addition to this, once the food leaves the farm, food processing and transport techniques help ensure safe and nutritious foods and beverages reach your local grocery stores, markets and restaurants.
The next time you buy a bunch of bananas, eat a veggie burger or order a bowl of spaghetti, perhaps you’ll think about the long-term sustainability practices of farmers, ranchers and producers as they support our food chain. These production practices and technologies help to ensure the reliability of the world’s food supply.
This video was created by Juliana Yellin, IFIC media intern. Tamika Sims, PhD, contributed to the blog post.