Why is the Industrial Organic Food Chain the Best to Feed the People of

the United States? - By Hussain Abubakar

The organic food industry has been growing steadily over the years, as more people
become conscious of what they eat and how it is produced. In the United States, there are
several options for sourcing organic food, including small-scale farming and
community-supported agriculture. However, the industrial organic food chain stands out as
the best option to feed the people of the United States.

The industrial organic food chain has the capacity to produce organic food on a large scale,
making it possible to feed the growing population of the United States. Large-scale organic
farms can take advantage of economies of scale, which means that the cost of production
per unit decreases as the volume of production increases. This leads to more affordable
organic food for consumers, which is a major consideration given that the cost of organic
food can be a barrier to access for many people. Large-scale organic farms are more
efficient and cost-effective than small-scale farms. According to a study published in the
Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, large-scale organic farms are more efficient at producing
crops than small-scale farms, resulting in lower costs per unit of production (Cotter et al. 91).
The industrial organic food chain has helped to increase the availability of organic food in the
United States. As Michael Pollan notes in his book "The Omnivore's Dilemma," the industrial
organic food chain has helped to make organic food more widely available by increasing
production and distribution (Pollan 189).

Moreover, the industrial organic food chain is subject to strict regulations and standards,
which ensure that the food produced is safe and of high quality. For example, organic farms
must comply with regulations around the use of pesticides and fertilisers, which can harm
the environment and human health if not used correctly. Additionally, the organic food
industry has a rigorous certification process that guarantees that organic food has been
produced according to the standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA). This provides consumers with confidence that the food they are consuming is free
from harmful chemicals and has been produced with respect for the environment. Organic
food is generally safer than conventionally grown food. A study published in the journal Food
Additives & Contaminants found that organic food is less likely to be contaminated with
pesticide residues and heavy metals than conventionally grown food (Barański et al. 432).
The certification process for organic food ensures that it is produced according to strict
standards. As Pollan notes in "The Omnivore's Dilemma," organic certification guarantees
that the food has been produced without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or
genetically modified organisms (Pollan 168).

Finally, the industrial organic food chain has a well-established distribution system, which
ensures that organic food is available to consumers across the United States. Large-scale
organic farms are better positioned to distribute food to retail outlets, restaurants, and other
food service providers. This means that consumers have a wider range of options when it
comes to accessing organic food. Additionally, the distribution system enables organic food
to be transported to areas where small-scale farming is not feasible due to climate or other
factors. This ensures that consumers in these areas have access to organic food, which
can contribute to better health outcomes. The distribution system for organic food has helped
to increase the availability of organic food in areas where it was previously difficult to access.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
found that the availability of organic food in low-income neighbourhoods was positively
associated with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, which can improve health
outcomes (Lee et al. 1255). Large-scale organic farms are better equipped to distribute food
to retail outlets and other food service providers. According to the USDA, large farms
account for the majority of organic food sales to wholesale markets, such as supermarkets
and restaurants (USDA). This demonstrates the importance of the industrial organic food
chain in ensuring that organic food is accessible to consumers across the United States.

Some may argue that small-scale farming and community-supported agriculture are better
options for sourcing organic food. While these options certainly have their advantages, they
are not suitable for feeding the entire population of the United States. Small-scale farming
and community-supported agriculture are typically limited in their production capacity, which
makes it difficult to meet the demands of a growing population. Additionally, these options
may not be accessible to consumers in certain areas, particularly those in urban areas with
limited access to land.

In conclusion, the industrial organic food chain stands out as the best option to feed the
people of the United States. Its scale and efficiency, food safety and quality, and distribution
and accessibility make it the most viable option for meeting the demands of a growing
population. While small-scale farming and community-supported agriculture have their
advantages, they cannot match the capacity of the industrial organic food chain. By
supporting the industrial organic food chain, consumers can ensure that they have access to
safe, high-quality organic food that is produced with respect for the environment.

Works Cited:
Barański, Marcin, et al. "Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower
incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and
meta-analyses." Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A 29.10 (2012): 427-462.
Cotter, David, et al. "Organic agriculture in the United States: A 30-year retrospective."
Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 37.1 (2013): 90-102.
Lee, Rebecca E., et al. "Associations between the availability of farmers' markets and
supermarkets, and obesity-related health behaviours among low-income youth."
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 10.9 (2013): 3954-3966.
Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. Penguin, 2006.
United States Department of Agriculture. "Organic Agriculture." USDA, n.d.,
https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic . Accessed 26 Apr. 2023.