Off the Bookshelf: Stuffed and Starved

I just finished reading Stuffed and Starved by Raj Patel.  His bio on the back of the book says that Patel has worked for the World Bank, interned at the World Trade Organization and consulted for the United Nations.  If anyone would have a grasp of how things work on a global scale, I think it would be this man.  Since my job connects me with the food industry I was interested in Patels global view on global food production, how I fit in and how I am affected as a consumer.

This book really opened my eyes.  Here are some things which I have learnt:

• essentially all markets are monopolized (corn, coffee, wheat) by a few companies,  97% of the tea market is owned by 1 company.  This means that there is essentially no free market to encourage competition and thus lower prices for the consumer.  A select few companies have all the power and control and dictate to both the consumer (us) and the producers (the farmers) the prices.  These companies are governed on the principle of making money for their shareholders.

• food aid to other countries is essentially another "market" for US farmers.  This aid introduces a new type of food to the country needing aid and changes the diet of the people.  It changes the crop production choices of the farmers living in those countries.  Often there are conditions and policies attached to food aid which negatively affect the farmers living in those countries.  Also, farmers work very hard and often deal with environmental factors, but it is the polices of government which have the greatest detrimental impact on farmers.

• colonialism is so passe, economic control is the way to go

• all the excess additives in our food are for the manufactures benefit and are added for reasons such as: improving "taste", extending shelf life, allowing for transport under various temperatures.  

• Many farm laborers experience modern day slavery.  They are imprisoned, beaten, or paid little.  It is estimated that between 25,000 to 40,ooo people in Brazil are working in conditions amounting to slavery.  In 2003, farm inspections resulted in 4932 people being freed from slavery.  This is also happening in North America.  In 1997 there were seven successful prosecutions of slavery involving tomato pickers in Florida.  These workers haven't had a wage increase since 1978 and earn about $10,000/year.  They were beaten, chained and locked inside a truck at night.  

The forces of globaliztion are huge, as are the trans-national companies which operate.  However, Patel offers some solutions for us at an individual level.  Here are some which I like:

• eat locally and seasonally
• support locally owned businesses
• buy fair trade products

While so many issues of injustices are on a global scale and often involve large trans-national companies or are systematic in origin, I believe in the power of individual action.  I feel as individuals we need to make choices regardless of whether this action grows into a part of a larger collective action.  

Plus: locally grown food tastes good, supporting locally owned business creates connection with those in your community and buying fair trade products makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

With love,

Becky