Today's topic is one that is a problem for our society on many levels. What at first seemed like a way to support farmers during tough times has turned into a monster with many heads. Not only does it discourage competition (and improvements in quality) in the market, but it also is harming the environment, and even our health.
We all know that ultra-processed foods are bad for us, but there is more than one reason why they remain so popular on store shelves today. Yes, clever marketers and manufacturers have created food processing techniques that make junk foods taste like something that's good for us, but there's more to it than that.
In case you hadn't guessed, it's all about the Benjamins, baby...
We all know that ultra-processed foods are bad for us, but there is more than one reason why they remain so popular on store shelves today. Yes, clever marketers and manufacturers have created food processing techniques that make junk foods taste like something that's good for us, but there's more to it than that.
In case you hadn't guessed, it's all about the Benjamins, baby...
Subsidizing food in the United States has been a standard practice for a very long time, with sugar subsidies dating back to 1790 and subsidies for wheat, corn, and soy starting in 1933. These four commodities, also known as commodity crops, are the mainstay ingredients found in the many ultra-processed foods that contribute significantly to chronic modern diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The government's role in subsidizing these crops has been a topic of debate, and many argue that the current system is flawed.
One of the main issues with these subsidies is that they disproportionately benefit large-scale farmers and agribusinesses, while smaller-scale farmers are often left out. This has contributed to the consolidation of the agriculture industry, as small farmers struggle to compete with the heavily subsidized larger operations. Additionally, the subsidies have led to an overproduction of these crops, which has driven down prices and made them cheaper to use in processed foods.
Furthermore, the production of these commodity crops often involves environmentally damaging practices such as the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as large amounts of water usage and soil erosion. The subsidies for these crops have also been criticized for contributing to the monoculture of crops, which can lead to a lack of biodiversity and leave crops more susceptible to disease and pests.
Despite these issues, the subsidies for these commodity crops remain in place, with taxpayers footing the bill. This has led to calls for reform of the subsidy system, with some advocating for a shift towards supporting smaller, sustainable agriculture operations and encouraging the production of more diverse crops.
In this podcast episode, Functional Medicine Doctor, Mark Hyman, chats with three leading industry experts about the impact of subsidized commodity crops on food prices and our health.
Dr. Robert Lustig, a neuroendocrinologist with expertise in metabolism, obesity, and nutrition, Ken Cook, president and cofounder of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and Paulette Jordan, Idaho's 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee, join Dr. Hyman for a nuanced discussion of the problems with the current subsidy system, plus some ideas for potential solutions.
Listen here:
One of the main issues with these subsidies is that they disproportionately benefit large-scale farmers and agribusinesses, while smaller-scale farmers are often left out. This has contributed to the consolidation of the agriculture industry, as small farmers struggle to compete with the heavily subsidized larger operations. Additionally, the subsidies have led to an overproduction of these crops, which has driven down prices and made them cheaper to use in processed foods.
Furthermore, the production of these commodity crops often involves environmentally damaging practices such as the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as large amounts of water usage and soil erosion. The subsidies for these crops have also been criticized for contributing to the monoculture of crops, which can lead to a lack of biodiversity and leave crops more susceptible to disease and pests.
Despite these issues, the subsidies for these commodity crops remain in place, with taxpayers footing the bill. This has led to calls for reform of the subsidy system, with some advocating for a shift towards supporting smaller, sustainable agriculture operations and encouraging the production of more diverse crops.
In this podcast episode, Functional Medicine Doctor, Mark Hyman, chats with three leading industry experts about the impact of subsidized commodity crops on food prices and our health.
Dr. Robert Lustig, a neuroendocrinologist with expertise in metabolism, obesity, and nutrition, Ken Cook, president and cofounder of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and Paulette Jordan, Idaho's 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee, join Dr. Hyman for a nuanced discussion of the problems with the current subsidy system, plus some ideas for potential solutions.
Listen here:
While the path to reform may not be easy, addressing the problems with the current system is crucial for promoting healthier food systems and a more sustainable future.
It is essential that we start looking at solutions to our modern health crisis, and so much of the problem goes back to the source - of our food, that is.
It's time to start paying attention to this issue, and when election season comes around, we all need to be voting for candidates who propose real, workable solutions in this area. Our future depends on it.
To your health,
Rose.
It is essential that we start looking at solutions to our modern health crisis, and so much of the problem goes back to the source - of our food, that is.
It's time to start paying attention to this issue, and when election season comes around, we all need to be voting for candidates who propose real, workable solutions in this area. Our future depends on it.
To your health,
Rose.
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