Food, Inc 2: The Battle for a Sustainable Food System
Explore the ongoing battle against the damaging effects of the corporate food production system in Food, Inc 2. Discover the consequences of corporate influence, the need for enforcement of regulations, and potential solutions for a sustainable food system. Join the call to action for a future where our food choices prioritize health, sustainability, and justice.
The Battle Against the Corporate Food Production System
In the thought-provoking documentary Food, Inc 2, filmmakers Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo delve into the ongoing battle against the damaging effects of the corporate food production system. Building upon the groundbreaking original film, they explore the progress made over the past 16 years, only to find that change is often elusive and appearances can be deceiving.
( Credit to: Theguardian )
Prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which exposed the brutality of the consolidated food system, Kenner and Robledo set out to examine the state of our food chain. Their journey takes them to Tyson Foods’ slaughterhouse in Waterloo, Iowa, where the multinational corporation refused to shut down its plants despite the spread of the virus among its workers. The dire consequences were felt by the local community, with lives lost and the company prioritizing profits over public health.
The filmmakers highlight the misuse of power by Tyson Foods, as they convinced the Trump administration to invoke the Defense Production Act to keep the slaughterhouses open. This act, originally intended for war needs, was twisted to force workers to risk their lives for the sake of corporate profit. The abuse of democracy is a chilling reminder of how corporations can prioritize their interests over the well-being of workers and communities.
The Perverted System and Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Foods
Food, Inc 2 uncovers a system perverted by corporate influence, resulting in a lack of competition and the production of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods. Shockingly, less than 15 cents of every dollar spent on food production goes to farmers, while the majority of profits are generated by turning nutritious food into unhealthy junk laden with artificial additives and flavors. This issue is particularly prevalent in the United States, where 58% of energy intake comes from ultra-processed foods, compared to just 17% in Italy.
The documentary emphasizes that the problem lies not in the absence of regulations, but in the failure of successive governments to enforce them. The need for enforcement is crucial to prevent corporations from exerting undue influence over regulators and governments. Jon Tester, a farmer and US senator for Montana, asserts that true change must come from Washington DC, where the power to break the system resides.
Potential Solutions and the Threat of Corporate Control
Food, Inc 2 acknowledges the enormity of the challenge at hand, offering glimpses of potential solutions. The filmmakers explore companies that advocate for better food driven by environmental concerns. Pat Brown, the founder of Impossible Foods, highlights the need to eliminate animals from the food system, as their replacement could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, even the famous Impossible Burger, found in Burger King restaurants across the US, is ultimately just another ultra-processed food.
While alternative meat companies have emerged, the filmmakers caution against the influence of corporate control in this emerging industry. Companies like Tyson Foods, along with hedge funds and tech investors driven by profit, are entering the market. This trend threatens to compromise the original values of these companies, highlighting the need for vigilance and continued efforts to create a truly sustainable food system.
A Call to Action for a Sustainable Food System
Food, Inc 2 serves as a reminder of the complex challenges we face in transforming our food production system. It exposes the detrimental effects of corporate dominance and calls for meaningful enforcement of regulations to protect farmers, consumers, animals, and the planet. By shedding light on these issues, the documentary ignites a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to work towards a future where our food choices prioritize health, sustainability, and justice.