Where the idea of golden rice works...

Does this idea actually make for a population that actually has sovereignty over its food supply?
Is it sustainable?
How effective do you think this will be in the long term?



NPR- The Humble Sweet Potato

Test-Tube Meat

Test-Tube Meat

http://science.time.com/2013/08/05/meet-schmeat-say-hello-to-the-stem-cell-hamburger/

“Schmeat” or “in vitro meat” is the culinary product of stem cells harvested from a cow’s shoulder and nurtured in a laboratory into strips of muscle. Heavily supported and funded by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), “schmeat” made its debut earlier this month in London where a 5-ounce patty was served that took two years to produce. Its release was highly anticipated among animal rights activists.  There is a vision that this technology could develop become commonplace in society. We could potentially be able to grow our own meat at home. Proponents argue that “schmeat” is better for the environment, more ethical than conventional meat, and no animals have to die to produce it. They also claim it will help reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, and “schmeat” is healthier than conventional meat because scientists can control the quality (no fat, no cholesterol, etc). Opponents argue the meat is tasteless and has the consistency of a scallop and draw attention to the potential economic impacts of introducing this to our world economy. What are your thoughts?

1. Do you think that “schmeat” is just another science fiction experiment or do you think its production could help feed the world and reduce some food-industry practices promoting climate change?

2. If scientists are successful in their production of “schmeat,” how do you think the public will respond when it begins to replace conventional meat products?

3. What about the economic effects of “schmeat”? If it turns out to be the best option for us environmentally and ethically, what about all of the slaughter houses that will be put out of business, leaving hundreds of thousands of people unemployed?

Week 3: Industrialization and the Green Revolution

A helpful review of the Green Revolution from Wikipedia.

From the New York Times, August 24, 2013: "Golden Rice: Lifesaver?"

Two different stories about the Green Revolution (video):

• The Green Revolution: Waging a War Against Hunger
• Not a Very Green Revolution

Minnesota farmers turn away from wheat; corn, soybeans more profitable

Minnesota farmers turn away from wheat; corn, soybeans more profitable

Minnesota used to be the nation's wheat producing capital, but lately the local farmers have turned to more profitable crops. As we've discussed in class, corn and soybeans have been genetically engineered to withstand harsh conditions and survive heavy doses of pesticides. It is more worthwhile and cost effective for farmers to cultivate these crops, but how will this effect the wheat market? Already, the price of flour is increasing because millers are located further from the source of wheat.

We know that corn is already overproduced and sold to consumers in more calorie dense, expensive ways every day. How will the price of corn being driven down even further and the increased price of flour affect the nation's health? Should wheat and other crops be genetically modified so they can compete?

The Plight of the Honeybee

Time Magazine Article

Albert Einstein once said, “If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live”.  At the current rate of worldwide bee population decline, this statement may yet be tested.  
    This article discusses the rapid disappearance of bees and possible causes. Among some reasons of loss of bees, such as pesticides and mites, the the dominance of wheat and corn as crop staples is listed. Since these crops are lacking of pollen, bees are starving. This is a relevant topic of discussion stemming from currents readings from class.

TED talk: What's wrong with what we eat

This TED talk seeks to explain and explore how food is effecting both our health and our environment. Eliminating animals and junk food, which have been proven unnecessary, and increasing our intake of plants will increase the amount of years we live and ensure quality health for those years, so why haven't we moved to a different and healthier lifestyle? Bittman seeks to explore the perks of localvores and the elimination of the processed food that so abundantly plagues our lives.

With a food system so rooted in its ties to agribusiness how do we, as consumers, make the right food choices? Also, what would be an effective and efficient way to educate the general public about what's wrong with what we eat, especially since the main sources of information on food are controlled by lobbyists with agendas?

Food Innovations Newest Potato Chip Flavors

This article from National Geographic discusses the most recent form of food engineering in the potato chip industry.

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2013/02/08/food-innovations-newest-potato-chip-flavors-sriracha-chicken-and-waffles-and-garlic-bread/

-Madison Boyd