Goya Foods CEO Bob Unanu appeared on Fox Business earlier today in order to give a bigger picture review of the current status of food production. Unanu does a good job outlining how the interconnected systems from field to fork impact consumers. The Goya CEO appropriately outlines what is happening and what the consequences are from Biden energy policy. It’s a good interview.
Unanu does not push food alarmism and accurately states the U.S. food production system will ensure that food is available for U.S. consumers to purchase, albeit at higher prices. The people most at risk from food insecurity are developing countries who rely on exports of food products generated by efficient, productive and exceptional farming operations in North America that feed the world.
For U.S. consumers it is the massive increases in energy and transportation costs that are driving up food prices, putting the issue of food insecurity into the correct context of food affordability. WATCH:
Consumers can offset the price impacts by shopping closer to the field, the origin of the food purchases needed. Shopping for fresh food products at farmers markets avoids feeling the impact of shipping and transportation costs, and it helps the local economy. If you are near areas with farm production in the United States consider the financial value of skipping the convenience of the supermarket in favor of shopping closer to the field.
In the field to fork food supply and distribution system, the closer you can get to the field for purchases the less costs you will encounter. Obviously, for many people this may not be possible. However, for others it might be time to evaluate the cost of convenience.