What’s on Our Plates for the Future?

The modern food industry is one that is broken in many respects. As a whole, the industry is plagued with issues ranging from its overbearing impact on the environment, to our warped vision on snack foods. While for many it remains big business, the food industry has been limping ahead for a while now, just barely functioning thanks to our incessant desire to consume. However, according to this article, a new wave of innovation could soon be approaching as investors look towards Silicon Valley start-ups to revolutionise the food on our plates.

Not quite the future of food. (yet)

The article explores the potential future of the food we eat. We aren't talking about those futuristic nutrient pastes, or entire meals in pill form just yet, there are more pressing issues at hand. By researching how food is delivered, where it’s used, why, and the implications it has for small businesses and consumers, innovators are looking to give the food industry a long overdue reboot. 

One investment specialist remarks...

“Consumers are interested in sophisticated experiences that are beautifully delivered, which we've seen happen on the Web and with products like the iPhone… Now, we’re seeing that happen with food and beverage.” 

Highlighting this point, Google recently launched its own smart and stylish Grocery Delivery service in San Francisco, likely in order to test the grounds for future investments. With Google on board, and a large number of start-ups addressing the issue, the potential impact of a new wave of innovation could be significant, however I doubt that the big players in the industry will be quick to lie down and roll over. Monsanto’s tight grasp on the biotech behind GM crops is already a worrying start.

We're hardly looking at Killer Tomatoes
when we talk about GM food

At the risk of being controversial, I have to say that I believe that GM foods are in fact necessary to satisfy our increasing food demands in the future, and allow countries with harsh climates to grow crops where they would otherwise be unable to without a GM breed. The danger is in the control that companies like Monsanto exert over the communities, which by choice or not, are using Monsanto branded GM plants.

The range of problems in this industry is so vast that I could go on for pages discussing them. Where do I stand on the promotion of junk food, the eating habits of children, the waste of American wheat farmers, subsidies, patents, deliveries , additives, preservatives… and the list could go on until I run out of breath, but there are many better informed authorities that you should be listening to regarding many of these things.

My point is that the path to a better food future isn't exactly clear, neither is it without its speed bumps, but it is time for a revolution. At least I can take comfort in knowing that serious thought is going on, and for once this thought isn't dominated by a few key players in a locked down industry.

-Alex Smith