HOW HAS THE COMMODIFICATION OF FOOD SYSTEMS AND SOURCES IMPACTED OUR NATIONAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNITY…

The commodification of food systems and sources has significantly reshaped both national and global communities, as emphasized in a recent think tank discussion. Experts highlighted that turning food into a commodity has prioritized profit-driven efficiency over sustainability and equitable access, leading to critical consequences such as the consolidation of agricultural industries, loss of biodiversity, and exploitation of labor. Globally, this shift has exacerbated inequalities, as marginalized communities face food insecurity while affluent regions experience overproduction and waste. Participants also discussed the environmental toll, noting how industrialized farming practices contribute to deforestation, soil depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. The conversation underscored a growing need for systemic reform to prioritize regenerative practices, local food sovereignty, and equitable distribution mechanisms to counteract the negative social and environmental outcomes of commodification. This dynamic has shaped not only how food is produced and consumed but also broader discussions on equity, sustainability, and global interdependence.