| Food production systems are complex and show a lack of transparency of physical streams. So far, activities of food producing corporations have been focused towards fulfilling short-term financial objectives. Consumers, on the other hand, are interested in buying products at reasonable prices. At the same time, however, changes in farming practices have led to overexploitation and degradation of natural resources on which agriculture itself depends: soil, water and air and a large use of fossil energy. Moreover, the trend towards producing for global markets generates large transportation flows, requiring more and more energy. This research evaluates the effect of food consumption packages produced in different systems for the indicators land, energy and water. It examines the determinants of food consumption and production systems on the environment. |
