Mainstream corn: what non-farmers think about farming

JUST WHEN FARMERS thought consumer apathy about where their food comes from hit an all-time low, a documentary is produced about the topic, reigniting discussion.  Reviews of Food Inc., a documentary playing in theatres now, have moviegoers claiming they’re afraid to eat after watching a startling portrayal of industrial food production in America.

HOW IT WILL CHALLENGE YOU:
In Food, Inc., producer-director Robert Kenner and investigative authors Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) and Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) take an in-depth look at the US food industry, which, they claim, has often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihoods of American farmers, the safety of workers, and the environment.

The film is largely sympathetic to farmers, portraying them as debt-locked victims of the food companies’ and biotech companies’ impossible demands. 

Like many attacks on modern agriculture, Food, Inc. makes some broad generalizations and misrepresentations about primary production and food processing.  It criticizes the industry for its focus of producing food “faster, fatter, bigger, cheaper” and suggest most of the items available in grocery stores today are rearrangements of corn or soybeans, not “real” foods with nutritional benefit.

The film also raises significant questions about the direction of US Farm Bill dollars.  Why is America subsidizing corn and soybeans so they can make cheap, unhealthy junk foods, when those funds could be better served subsidizing fresh fruits and vegetables that will contribute more to the health and well-being of American families?

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT:
For consumers who are largely disconnected from agriculture, taking the time to watch this movie shows that they are taking an interest in learning about food production.  If the messages in this movie have staying power with North American audiences, members of the public may become even further alienated by their food supply and the farm families who grow it.

The film will be challenging for anyone with a background in agriculture to sit through, but farm audiences need to grasp key points of the arguments against food production and be prepared with appropriate responses.

For example, Monsanto, who figures highly in this movie, has prepared its own response to the movie.  Visit http://www.monsanto.com/ foodinc/ for Monsanto’s response.

WHERE TO FIND IT:
For more information about Food, Inc. visit www.foodincmovie.com.