A world map created from food grains appears, dividing the screen. On the left, the video title "Feeding the World" is displayed; on the right, the map remains.
Various images show foods and fruits in a grocery store. Next, a truck near a food processing facility, and scenes of farmland and vegetable markets.
Have you ever wondered why we can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables year ‘round, even when they’re out of season? Global food systems help to move food from where it is produced to where it is consumed.
The slide titled “Global Food System” displays two images. On the right side, a train loaded with products moves down the tracks. On the left side, the definition of the Global Food System appears that reads “The systematic production of food for distribution to consumers around the globe.” The scene transitions to a thresher working on farmland.
By definition, a global food system is the systematic production of food for distribution to consumers around the globe. Feeding a hungry and growing world is a huge challenge.
Different processed foods like buns and donuts are shown on trays. Text on the screen notes the increasing demand for food due to population growth and a decrease in land used for food production. The scene shifts to farmland.
As the world population continues to increase, so does the demand for food.
A man operates machinery on farmland, transitioning to an image of a machine dispersing a large quantity of grain.
Adding to this challenge is the fact that the amount of land used to produce food steadily decreases, so agricultural food producers must develop new technologies and practices which will allow them to produce food more efficiently.
The slide titled “American Farm Bureau Statistics” displays two images. On the right side, it depicts farmland. On the left side, text appears that reads according to the American Farm Bureau, compared to 1950, today’s farmers produce 262% more food while using 2% less input.
According to the American Farm Bureau, compared to 1950, today’s farmers produce 262% more food while using 2% less input. That’s an incredible increase in efficiency.
Next, on the right side, the image shows the combined harvester machine, and on the left side, text detailing the population growth trends; farmers will need to increase production by another 50% by the year 2050.
It has been estimated that because of population growth trends, farmers will need to increase production by another 50% by the year 2050.
The scene transitions to a food market, flour, and processed foods.
In order to provide fresh food to the world, it must be distributed from where it is produced to where it is needed.
The slide titled "Obstacles to Successful Food Distribution" displays two images. On the right side, there is a food transportation truck. On the left side, several obstacles to successful food distribution are listed and read by the narrator.
Sacks of food items are displayed. A text box at the bottom of the screen indicates, "During transport, food must be kept clean and dry, and in many cases, refrigerated."
There are several obstacles that must be overcome for successful food distribution. First, the food must be transported in a timely manner. During transport, it must be kept clean and dry, and in many cases, refrigerated. Such measures help to decrease spoilage.
The slide titled "Other Factors Affecting Global Food Systems " displays two images. On the right side, a basket of vegetables is shown. On the left side, other factors affecting global food systems are listed and read by the narrator.
Other factors to consider include political issues, conflicts, and economical factors including depressed or collapsing economies.
The scene shifts to a food market.
Many factors affect global food systems, including affordability, availability, and food safety.
A world map displays the percentage of household budgets spent on food across continents.
In the United States, on average, we spend about 15% of our income on food, mainly because American farmers produce so much food. In Europe, the percentage of income spent on food ranges from about 15% to over 20%. That number jumps significantly in South America where as much as 35% of income is spent on food. The increase is even more drastic in Asia and Africa where families spend as much as half their income for food.
The scene transitions to a machine collecting large amounts of grain with accompanying text, “The affordability of food is tied to the availability of the food.” A desert is briefly shown.
The affordability of food is tied to the availability of food. In many cases like arid regions or desert it is difficult and costly to grow food.
The image shows a populated country. Images of densely populated areas are shown, transitioning to a truck near a food storage facility.
Densely populated countries like Japan may have suitable climate to produce food, but don’t have land available for food production. In these locations, global food systems are mandatory to feed the people who live there.
A man cuts meat while others handle roasted meat and fruits in baskets. A text box at the bottom of the screen indicates, "If food doesn't meet minimum requirements, it cannot be safely consumed."
Food safety is of the highest importance. If food doesn’t meet minimum requirements, it cannot be safely consumed.
A still image displays various fruits. A text box mentions, “Quality is often determined by freshness and nutritional value.” Scenes shift to vegetables in a local farm.
Another factor to consider with regard to safety is the quality of food. Quality is often determined by freshness and nutritional value. In general, the fresher the food, the higher the quality.
Sealed packets of nuts are shown. A text box mentions, “Perishable foods can be preserved for longer periods by refrigeration, freezing, or dehydration.” Images then display different meats in a store.
Perishable foods can be preserved for longer periods by methods such as refrigeration, freezing, or dehydration. Although these methods extend the shelf-life of food products, they also add to the cost.
The slide titled “Foodborne Illness” shows a chef in a kitchen with text as read by the narrator.
Foodborne illness is one of the primary causes of unsafe food. Foodborne illness is caused by improper handling, storage and sanitation when handling food and can be prevented.
The scene shifts to a tractor on a farm.
Global food systems have become an extremely important part of agriculture. In the future, it will be necessary for farmers to produce more food.
Four food transportation trucks are displayed, transitioning to an image of a farmer carrying vegetables on his shoulder.
Global food systems will need to become more efficient to ensure that food reaches the people who need it.