The (Disturbing) Future of Food

After reading this article, I found myself agreeing with many of Belasco's points and realizing the sad state of the modern food industry. He points out that the fix to many of the problems must come either technologically or anthropologically, but I see fundamental flaws in each. Relying on a technological fix is risky and although we have been inventive recently, this is not something we can rely on. Furthermore, a technological fix just delays the problem as it has done already, which is why an anthropological fix is necessary. Unfortunately, a fix of this nature takes time and requires a cultural transformation. Americans must adapt an entirely new mindset when it comes to food; rather than not being knowledgeable about what we eat, and being "distanced" from food, we must become as involved in the food process as possible. Experts, such as Michael Pollan, have been saying this for years, but not enough people care enough about future generations or are even educated enough to make the necessary changes. 

In this week's reading, The Future of Food, by Warren Belasco, the impact current consumption will have on future generations is discussed as well as possible solutions to remedy the problem. The limits of the earth's carrying capacity, famously mentioned in Thomas Malthus' An Essay on the Principle of Population, have not been reached due to technological innovation. Belasco explains, "There is little doubt that, over the past two centuries, world agricultural productivity has increased much more rapidly than almost anyone anticipated. The Malthusian nightmare that population will outgrow food supply has not happened - yet" (123). Although human inventiveness has been able to bail us out, Belasco questions how long this can last considering our current consumption rates. Progress has occurred at the expense of energy, water, and land resources and if progress is to continue, Belasco argues that there must be a change. This "fix" can either be technological or anthropological, meaning that we must continue to innovate and and overcome the constraints on natural resources through new technology, or change the mentality of the general population in order to increase local and responsible consumption. Belasco concludes by simply telling the reader that a good starting point is to learn how to cook; become closer with the food you consume and you will become more educated about the food industry, eventually leading to more responsible decisions.
Is there any other option other than a technological fix or anthropological fix?
Will it take one single, alarming event to force people to change their attitudes concerning their eating habits?