The Complexity of the Food Industry

As we discuss the multitude of flaws within our current food industry, we must realize that a dramatic and sudden change within the food industry could disrupt many other sectors of modern day life. In 2006, 1.5 million American jobs were in the food industry alone. These jobs range from agricultural activities, such as raising livestock and growing crops, food processors, researchers, developers, manufacturers, regulators of food production, financial managers, and marketers. They all play key roles in allowing the food industry to run efficiently and generate massive profit for the global economy. Thus, when considering taking down major corporations that do not uphold a moral code of conduct, such as inhumane treatment of animals, think able these thousands of workers who depend on these jobs to feed their own families. Understandably, change is necessary for the well-being of future generations, but the complexity of the food industry proves that change is difficult to bring about when so many are involved and play key roles.

In 2008, food industries generated a total revenue of $126 billion dollars. I researched one major industry in particular, General Mills. Not only does General Mills distribute products across the United States, its products are marketed in over 100 countries. Their 2014 net sales was $19.2 billion dollars. Here's a breakdown of their core business segments.

Source for chart: https://generalmills.com/en/Company/Businesses

As one of the largest food companies in the United States, General Mills may have may some serious flaws they need to fix overtime. Unfortunately, if drastic change is implemented, the entire economy would be disrupted by a massive change within the General Mills corporation. Even though they have some unhealthy brands, such as Pillsbury and Haagen-Dazs, they have healthy, organic brands such as Annie's and Cascadian Farm.

Aware of growing concern over health and environmental issues, General Mills has taken initiative to combat these concerns and find a solution. In 2005, General Mills instituted a Health Metric "to quantify and encourage the company’s progress on nutrition and health improvements". Here's more detail about their efforts to increase improvement guidelines.

Source for image: https://generalmills.com/en/Health/improving-health/keeping-track

Sources: https://generalmills.com/en/Brands/Overview
https://generalmills.com/en/Health/improving-health/keeping-trackhttp://www.economywatch.com/world-industries/food-industry.html
https://generalmills.com/en/Company/Businesses