These days, people have access to a wide variety of globally sourced food products in some parts of the world. Although this trend may have some disadvantages, in my view, the benefits are far more significant.
On the one hand, globalisation of food supplies can stimulate economic growth. Cultivation of fruits and vegetables alongside harvesting and shipping them can create millions of job opportunities, which can mitigate unemployment-related issues. This economic benefit can be far more considerable than many people realise, because 1.23 billion people are directly employed in agricultural and food systems, bringing food to our tables by way of food supply chains.
On the other hand, global food trade can give rise to serious environmental concerns. As traditional transports often rely on fossil fuels, transportation of food products across continents can result in an increased emission of greenhouse gases. These gases are arguably the main culprit behind climate change; the amount of such gases that have been released so far is 3.0 gigatons, which is much higher than that of those emitted during food production.
Despite this, I still contend that the benefits of the globalised food system can outweigh the drawbacks, because this can be imperative or even life-saving for some. A wide array of fruits, vegetables, and proteins can enable people to consume nutrient-rich foods, ultimately meeting their nutritional needs and preventing them from vitamin deficiencies. This can be particularly important for those in places with limited arable land, as nutritious food products may be scarce in such areas. For example, in cities like Mecca, local populations rely on global food supply chains since their land is not fertile and arable enough to cultivate their own food. This shows how important global food trade can be in the fight against malnutrition and satisfying people’s vitamin needs.
In conclusion, globalisation of food supplies can contribute to environmental concerns, as this may entail the release of a huge amount of carbon dioxide. However, the benefits of the globalised food system can significantly outweigh the downsides. This is because such a global system can boost the economy of countries on a global scale and ensure improved food security.