The Global Food Market

Term Paper # 104543

Agricultural Studies > Biotechnology
Biology > Biotechnology
Economics > International

This paper explores the issue of excess foods on the market by discussing the world food trade, dumping and biofuels.

1,348 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the problems that arise with the inexpensive foods that flood the market. The paper first explains how the global food trade can have a negative effect on the agriculture in developing countries. The paper then discusses the possibility of using crops for biofuels and examines the benefits and drawbacks of this solution. The paper concludes by stating that just continuing with the situation as usual is not an option.

From the Paper:

"The concept of food trade seems such a simple one on its face. All people must eat in order to survive. If people have a surplus of food, it is better than if they have only a subsistence level of food or an insufficient quantity of food, no matter where that food comes from or what type of food is being produced. Inexpensive food is always better; lower prices mean more people spend less on food and quality of life improves all around. Global trade is better for the food trade because it keeps food prices lower. Finally, more land has to be dedicated to food production. All of these things seem simple and true on their faces, but how reliable are these statements?"

Sample of Sources Used:

Bello, Walden. "Free Trade vs. Small Farmers." Global Envision. 14 May 2007. 10 June 2007 <http://www.globalenvision.org/library/6/1611>.
Iowa State University Biofuels Study Fact Sheet: Major Findings. 17 May 2007. 10 June 2007. <http://www.ngfa.org/pdfs/ISU_Biofuels_Study_Fact_Sheet.pdf>.
Schwind, Kirsten. "Going Local on a Global Scale."
Shah, Anup. 25 June 2005. "Food Dumping [Aid] Maintains Poverty." 10 June 2007. <http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Poverty/FoodDumping.asp>.
Wemos Foundation. Dumping Food Aid: Trade or Aide? April 2005. <http://www.wto.org/English/forums_e/ngo_e/posp47_dumping_food_aid_e.pdf>.