Content deleted Content added
→top: capitalization correction; "Reggio-Emilia" is the area of production, so this is one of the few food names that takes a capital |
→External links: What is with the cuisine template showing up? |
||
| (44 intermediate revisions by 27 users not shown) | |||
Line 1:
{{Short description|Collective term for diverse businesses that supply much of the world's food}}
[[File:Fredmeyer edit 1.jpg|thumb|250px|Packaged food aisles at an [[America]]n [[grocery store]] ]]
[[File:Parmigiano reggiano factory.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Parmigiano Reggiano]] cheese produced in a modern factory]]
[[File:Battery hens -Bastos, Sao Paulo, Brazil-31March2007.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Battery cages]] in Brazil, an example of [[intensive animal farming]] ]]
The '''food industry''' is a complex, global network of diverse [[business]]es that supplies most of the [[food]] consumed by the [[World population|world's population]]. The food industry today has become highly diversified, with manufacturing ranging from small, traditional, family-run activities that are highly labour-intensive, to large, capital-intensive and highly mechanized industrial processes. Many food industries depend almost entirely on local [[agriculture]], [[Intensive animal farming|animal farms]], [[produce]], and/or [[fishing]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Parmeggiani|editor1-first=Lougi|title=???|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia of Occupational Health and Safety |year=1983 |edition=3rd |pages= |isbn=9221032892<!-- ISBN for the complete set; use 9221032906 (volume 1) or 9221032914 (volume 2)--> |location=Geneva|publisher=International Labour Office}}</ref>
It is challenging to find an inclusive way to cover all aspects of food production and sale. The UK [[Food Standards Agency]] describes it as "the whole food industry – from [[farming]] and [[food production]], packaging and distribution, to retail and catering
* [[Agriculture]]: raising [[crop]]s, [[livestock]], and [[seafood]]. [[Agricultural economics]].
* [[Manufacturing]]: [[agrichemicals]], agricultural [[construction]], [[farm machinery]] and supplies, [[seed]], etc.
Line 23 ⟶ 22:
Only [[subsistence farming|subsistence farmers]], those who survive on what they grow, and [[hunter-gatherers]] can be considered outside the scope of the modern food industry.
The dominant companies in the food industry have sometimes been referred to as Big Food, a term coined by the writer Neil Hamilton.<ref name="BoothCoveney2015">{{cite book|author1=Sue Booth|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DS3ABgAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|title=Food Democracy: From consumer to food citizen|author2=John Coveney|date=19 February 2015|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-981-287-423-8|pages=3–}}</ref><ref name="AllisonRonald2019">{{cite book|author1=Gray, Allison|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mWSzDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA371|title=A Handbook of Food Crime: Immoral and Illegal Practices in the Food Industry and What to Do About Them|author2=Hinch, Ronald|date=1 October 2019|publisher=Policy Press|isbn=978-1-4473-5628-8|pages=371–}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last1=Booth|first1=Sue|title='Big Food'—The Industrial Food System|date=2015|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-423-8_2|work=Food Democracy: From consumer to food citizen|pages=3–11|editor-last=Booth|editor-first=Sue|series=SpringerBriefs in Public Health|place=Singapore|publisher=Springer|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-981-287-423-8_2|isbn=978-981-287-423-8|access-date=26 November 2020|last2=Coveney|first2=John|editor2-last=Coveney|editor2-first=John}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Stuckler|first1=David|last2=Nestle|first2=Marion|date=19 June 2012|title=Big Food, Food Systems, and Global Health|journal=PLOS Medicine|language=en|volume=9|issue=6|pages=e1001242|doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001242|issn=1549-1676|pmc=3378592|pmid=22723746 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
== Food production ==
{{Main|Agriculture|Agronomy}}
[[File:Junín Campo Cerrito Colorado 20130124 1.jpg|thumb|A [[soybean]] field in Argentina]]
Most food produced for the food industry comes from commodity crops using conventional agricultural practices. Agriculture is the process of producing food, feeding products, fiber and other desired products by the cultivation of certain plants and the raising of domesticated animals ([[livestock]]). On average, 83% of the food consumed by humans is produced using terrestrial agriculture.In addition to terrestrial agriculture, aquaculture and fishing play vital roles in global food production. Aquaculture involves the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, shrimp, and mollusks in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, or cages. It contributes significantly to the world's seafood supply and provides an important source of protein for human consumption. Fishing, on the other hand, relies on harvesting wild aquatic species from oceans, rivers, and lakes, further diversifying the sources of food for human populations and supporting livelihoods in coastal communities worldwide. Together, terrestrial agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing collectively ensure a diverse and ample supply of food to meet the dietary needs of people across the globe.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title={{Harvnb|IPCC SRCCL|2019}}|last1=Mbow|first1=C.|last2=Rosenzweig|first2=C.|last3=Barioni|first3=L. G.|last4=Benton|first4=T.|last5=Herrero|first5=M.|last6=Krishnapillai|first6=M. V.|year=2019|chapter=Chapter 5: Food Security|display-authors=4|chapter-url=https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/sites/4/2019/11/08_Chapter-5.pdf}}</ref> Other food sources include [[aquaculture]] and [[fishing]].<ref name=":0" />
Scientists, inventors, and others devoted to improving farming methods and implements are also said to be engaged in agriculture. One in three people worldwide are employed in agriculture,<ref name="DAOLab">{{cite web|title=Labour|url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/015/i2490e/i2490e01b.pdf|website=FAO.org|publisher=The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations|access-date=15 May 2015}}</ref> yet it only contributes 3% to global [[GDP]].<ref name="FAOMac">{{cite web|title=Macroeconomy|url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/015/i2490e/i2490e01c.pdf|website=FAO.org|publisher=The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations|access-date=15 May 2015}}</ref> In 2017, on average, agriculture contributes 4% of national GDPs.<ref name=":0" /> Global agricultural production is responsible for between 14 and 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the largest contributors to [[global warming]], in large part due to conventional agricultural practices, including [[Fertilizer|nitrogen fertilizers]] and poor [[land management]].<ref name=":0" />
Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fibre, and [[land reclamation]]. Agronomy encompasses work in the areas of [[plant genetics]], [[plant physiology]], [[meteorology]], and [[soil science]]. Agronomy is the application of a combination of sciences. Agronomists today are involved with many issues including producing food, creating healthier food, managing the [[environmental impact of agriculture]], and extracting energy from plants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.
== Food processing ==
Line 50 ⟶ 49:
== Industry influence ==
The food industry has a large influence on [[consumerism]]. Organizations, such as The [[American Academy of Family Physicians]] (AAFP), have been criticized for accepting monetary donations from companies within the food industry, such as [[The Coca-Cola Company|Coca-Cola]].<ref name="Brody 354–358">{{Cite journal|last=Brody|first=Howard|date=1 August 2016|title=Professional medical organizations and commercial conflicts of interest: ethical issues|journal=Annals of Family Medicine|volume=8|issue=4|pages=354–358|doi=10.1370/afm.1140|issn=1544-1717|pmc=2906531|pmid=20644191}}</ref> These donations have been criticized for creating a conflict of interest and favoring an interest such as financial gains.<ref name="Brody 354–358"/>
== Criticism ==
Line 69 ⟶ 68:
=== Corporate Influence ===
The [[Bretton Woods system|Bretton Woods Institutions]] - The World Bank and [[International Monetary Fund]] - play a large role in how the food industry functions today.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Hickel |first=Jason |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/984907212 |title=The divide : a brief guide to global inequality and its solutions |date=2017 |isbn=978-1-78515-112-5 |location=London |oclc=984907212}}</ref> These global funds were born after World War II, to help rebuild Europe and prevent another Great Depression. Overall, their main purpose was to stabilize economies.<ref name=":1" /> The IMF provided short term loans while the World Bank was focused on larger projects that would bring electricity back to cities, roads, and other "essential" needs.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Goldman |first=Michael |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.12987/9780300132090/html |title=Imperial Nature |date=2008-10-01 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-13209-0 |language=en |doi=10.12987/9780300132090|s2cid=264519062 }}</ref> The World Banks mission and purpose, however, transformed as its President Robert McNamara issued a system of loans known as [[Structural adjustment|Structural Adjustment]]. In accepting loans from the World Bank, countries - especially the Global South - became economically, politically, and socially tied to the West.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Steinmetz-Jenkins |first=Daniel |date=2022-06-15 |title=The Rotten Roots of the IMF and the World Bank |language=en-US |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/the-rotten-roots-of-global-economic-governance/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |issn=0027-8378}}</ref> Many countries struggled to pay back their loans, beginning the process of global debt, privatization, and the downfall of local economies.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |last=Escobar |first=Arturo |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/757736395 |title=Encountering Development: The Making and Unmaking of the Third World |date=2012 |isbn=978-1-4008-3992-6 |edition= |location=Princeton, N.J. |pages=3 |language=en |oclc=757736395}}</ref> As a result of Western intervention, many small scale farmers have been displaced, as US corporations have bought out land in other countries and continued to monopolize on food.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Clapp |first=Jennifer |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1013824989 |title=Speculative harvests : financialization, food, and agriculture |date=2018 |others=S. Ryan Isakson |isbn=978-1-77363-023-6 |location=Black Point, Nova Scotia |oclc=1013824989}}</ref> Today, several multinational corporations have pushed agricultural technologies on developing countries including improved seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, crop production.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Aktar |first1=Wasim |last2=Sengupta |first2=Dwaipayan |last3=Chowdhury |first3=Ashim |date=2009-03-01 |title=Impact of pesticides use in agriculture: their benefits and hazards |journal=Interdisciplinary Toxicology |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=1–12 |doi=10.2478/v10102-009-0001-7 |issn=1337-9569 |pmc=2984095 |pmid=21217838}}</ref>
== Policy ==
{{See also|Economic policy|Education policy|Eco-tariff|Decision-making}}
In 2020 scientists reported that reducing emissions from the global [[food system]] is essential to achieving the [[Paris Agreement]]'s [[climate change mitigation|climate goals]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Reducing global food system emissions key to meeting climate goals |url=https://phys.org/news/2020-11-global-food-emissions-key-climate.html |access-date=8 December 2020 |work=phys.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=Michael A. |last2=Domingo |first2=Nina G. G. |last3=Colgan |first3=Kimberly |last4=Thakrar |first4=Sumil K. |last5=Tilman |first5=David |last6=Lynch |first6=John |last7=Azevedo |first7=Inês L. |last8=Hill |first8=Jason D. |title=Global food system emissions could preclude achieving the 1.5° and 2°C climate change targets |journal=Science |date=6 November 2020 |volume=370 |issue=6517 |pages=705–708 |doi=10.1126/science.aba7357 |pmid=33154139 |bibcode=2020Sci...370..705C |s2cid=226254942 |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aba7357 |access-date=8 December 2020 |language=en |issn=0036-8075}}</ref> In 2020, an evidence review for the [[European Union]]'s [[Scientific Advice Mechanism]] found that, without significant change, emissions would increase by 30–40% by 2050 due to population growth and changing consumption patterns, and concluded that "the combined environmental cost of food production is estimated to amount to some $12 trillion per year, increasing to $16 trillion by 2050".<ref>{{Cite book
=== Regulation ===
{{See also|Category:Food law}}
Since World War II, agriculture in the United States and the entire national food system in its entirety has been characterized by models that focus on monetary [[Profit (economics)|profitability]] at the expense of social and environmental integrity.<ref>{{cite
=== Proactive guidance ===
In 2020, researchers published projections and models of potential impacts of [[policy]]-dependent mechanisms of modulation, or lack thereof, of [[food system|how, where, and what food is produced]]. They analyzed policy-effects for specific regions or nations such as reduction of [[environmental impact of meat|meat production and consumption]], reductions in [[food waste]] and loss, [[Agricultural productivity#Sustainable agriculture|increases in crop yields]] and international [[land-use planning]]. Their conclusions include that raising agricultural yields is highly beneficial for biodiversity-conservation in sub-Saharan Africa while measures leading to shifts of diets are highly beneficial in North America and that global coordination and rapid action are necessary.<ref>{{cite news |title=Global food industry on course to drive rapid habitat loss – research |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/21/global-food-industry-to-drive-rapid-habitat-loss-research |access-date=17 January 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=21 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Current food production systems could mean far-reaching habitat loss |url=https://phys.org/news/2020-12-current-food-production-far-reaching-habitat.html |access-date=17 January 2021 |work=phys.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Williams|first1=David R.|last2=Clark|first2=Michael|last3=Buchanan|first3=Graeme M.|last4=Ficetola|first4=G. Francesco|last5=Rondinini|first5=Carlo|last6=Tilman|first6=David|date=21 December 2020|title=Proactive conservation to prevent habitat losses to agricultural expansion|url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-00656-5|journal=Nature Sustainability|language=en|volume=4|issue=4|pages=314–322|doi=10.1038/s41893-020-00656-5|bibcode=2020NatSu...4..314W |issn=2398-9629|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125142655/https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-00656-5|archive-date=25 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021|s2cid=229346085|url-status=
== Wholesale and distribution ==
Line 99 ⟶ 98:
{{Further|Timeline of agriculture and food technology|Haber–Bosch process}}
[[File:Passaic Agricultural Chemical Works. 1876.jpg|thumb|An American [[agrochemical]] factory in 1876]]
Modern food production is defined by sophisticated technologies. These include many areas. [[Agricultural machinery]], originally led by the [[tractor]], has practically eliminated human labor in many areas of production. [[Biotechnology]] is driving much change, in areas as diverse as [[agrochemical]]s, [[plant breeding]] and food processing. Many other types of technology are also involved, to the point where it is hard to find an area that does not have a direct impact on the food industry. As in other fields, computer technology is also a central force. Other than that, there few more modern technologies that can help to improve the industry as well which are, robotics and automation, blockchain, nanotech, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, smart farming and others. These new technologies can improve the industry in the following ways:
# [[Robotics]] and [[automation]]: Robotics and automation are being used to automate processes such as [[Packaging and labeling|packaging]], [[sorting]], and [[quality control]], which reduces [[labor costs]] and increases efficiency. These technologies also reduce the likelihood of contamination by reducing human contact with food.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robotnik |date=2022-01-31 |title=Application of robotics in agriculture |url=https://robotnik.eu/robotics-applications-in-agriculture/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Robotnik |language=en-US}}</ref>
# [[Blockchain]]: Blockchain technology is being used to improve [[food safety]] by providing transparency in the [[supply chain]]. This technology allows for [[Real-time locating system|real-time tracking]] of food products, from farm to table, which helps to identify any potential safety hazards and enables quick response to any issues.{{fact|date=October 2023}}
# [[Nanotechnology in agriculture|Nanotechnology]]: Nanotechnology is being used to develop new packaging materials that can extend the shelf life of food and reduce [[Food loss and waste|food waste]]. These materials can also be designed to be [[biodegradable]], reducing the environmental impact of packaging.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Systems |url=http://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/impacts/nanotechnology-agriculture-food-systems |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=National Institute of Food and Agriculture |date=24 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
# [[3D printing]]: 3D printing is being used to create custom food products and to make food production more efficient.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-18 |title=Can 3D Printing Revolutionise The Agriculture Industry? - Manufactur3D |url=https://manufactur3dmag.com/can-3d-printing-revolutionise-the-agriculture-industry/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=manufactur3dmag.com |language=en-US}}</ref> With 3D printing, it is possible to create complex shapes and designs that would be difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques.
# [[Artificial intelligence]]: (AI) is being used to analyze large amounts of [[data]] in the food industry, which can help to identify trends and patterns. This technology can be used to optimize processes and to improve the quality and safety of food products.{{fact|date=October 2023}}
# [[Smart farming]]: Smart farming involves the use of [[Sensor|sensors]] and [[Data analysis|data analytics]] to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. This technology can help farmers to make more informed decisions about when to plant, water, and harvest crops, which can improve the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sciforce |date=2023-01-25 |title=Smart Farming: The Future of Agriculture |url=https://www.iotforall.com/smart-farming-future-of-agriculture |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=IoT For All |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Marketing ==
{{Main|Food marketing|Agricultural marketing}}
As consumers grow increasingly removed from food production, the role of product creation, [[advertising]], and publicity become the primary vehicles for information about food. With processed food as the dominant category, marketers have almost infinite possibilities in product creation. Of the food advertised to [[Advertising to children|children]] on [[TV ad|television]], 73% is [[fast food|fast]] or [[convenience foods]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kunkel|first=Dale|year=2009|title=The Impact of Industry Self-Regulation on the Nutritional Quality of Foods Advertised to Children on Television|url=http://lahealthaction.org/library/adstudy09_report.pdf|journal=Children Now|access-date=2018-09-19|archive-date=2018-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919132253/http://lahealthaction.org/library/adstudy09_report.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
One of the main challenges in food industry marketing is the high level of [[Market competition|competition]] in the market. Companies must differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering unique products or using innovative [[Marketing strategy|marketing techniques]]. For example, many food companies are now using [[social media]] platforms to promote their products and engage with customers.
Another important aspect of food industry marketing is understanding [[Consumer behaviour|consumer behavior]] and preferences. This includes factors such as age, gender, income, and cultural background. Companies must also be aware of changing consumer trends and adapt their marketing strategies accordingly.
== Labor and education ==
{{Update|section|date=June 2021}}
[[File:Tartu Mill 04.jpg|thumb|Equipment at [[Tartu Mill]]. Modern food processing factories are often highly automated.]]
Until the last 100 years, agriculture was [[labor-intensive]]. Farming was a common occupation and millions of people were involved in food production. Farmers, largely trained from generation to generation, carried on the family business. That situation has changed dramatically today. In America in 1870, 70–80% of the US population was employed in agriculture.<ref>[http://www.farmersedge.ca/blog/2013/07/04/neat-facts-about-united-states-agriculture Neat Facts About United States Agriculture] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314005120/http://www.farmersedge.ca/blog/2013/07/04/neat-facts-about-united-states-agriculture |date=14 March 2014 }}, Retrieved 19 November 2013</ref> {{As of|
== See also ==
Line 129 ⟶ 133:
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
===Works cited===
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IPCC SRCCL|2019}} <!-- ipcc:20200204 --> |author=IPCC |author-link=IPCC |display-editors=4 |editor-first1=P. R. |editor-last1=Shukla |editor-first2=J. |editor-last2=Skea |editor-first3=E. |editor-last3=Calvo Buendia |editor-first4=V. |editor-last4=Masson-Delmotte |editor-first5=H.-O. |editor-last5=Pörtner |editor-first6=D. |editor-last6=C. Roberts |editor-first7=P. |editor-last7=Zhai |editor-first8=R. |editor-last8=Slade |editor-first9=S. |editor-last9=Connors |editor-first10=R. |editor-last10=van Diemen |editor-first11=M. |editor-last11=Ferrat |editor-first12=E. |editor-last12=Haughey |editor-first13=S. |editor-last13=Luz |editor-first14=S. |editor-last14=Neogi |editor-first15=M. |editor-last15=Pathak |editor-first16=J. |editor-last16=Petzold |editor-first17=J. |editor-last17=Portugal Pereira |editor-first18=P. |editor-last18=Vyas |editor-first19=E. |editor-last19=Huntley |editor-first20=K. |editor-last20=Kissick |editor-first21=M. |editor-last21=Belkacemi |editor-first22=J. |editor-last22=Malley |year=2019 |title=IPCC Special Report on Climate Change, Desertification, Land Degradation, Sustainable Land Management, Food Security, and Greenhouse gas fluxes in Terrestrial Ecosystems |url=https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2019/11/SRCCL-Full-Report-Compiled-191128.pdf |publisher=In press}}
==Further reading==
Line 144 ⟶ 151:
* {{cite web|url=http://foodindustrycenter.umn.edu |title=The Food Industry Center |publisher=[[University of Minnesota]]}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/agec2/mf2719.pdf|title=Economic Issues with the Persistence of Profitability in Food Businesses and Agricultural Businesses|website=Ksre.ksu.edu|access-date=21 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120202549/http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/agec2/mf2719.pdf|archive-date=20 November 2012|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.foodindustry.com |title=FoodIndustry.Com}}
* {{cite web|url=https://kuwaitproteins.com/food-distribution/ |title=Food Distributor company}}
{{Industries}}
{{Authority control}}
| |||