WORLD FOOD PRODUCTION

GCSE Food and Nutrition

Learning Objectives

To learn about food production in the world and UK.

To learn about organic farming

To learn about genetic modified engineering (GM)

World Food Production

Approximately 14% of the world’s population (15 billion people) do not get enough food to eat and suffer from under-nutrition.

Rich parts of the world including UK produce and consume the most food.

In poorer countries many people farm their land to provide food for themselves

World Food Production

The amount of food that they produce is often very

small because:• Poverty – unable to buy machinery, seeds• Crop failure – lack of water, infestation by

pests• Natural disasters – hurricane, flooding,

earthquake• Limited agricultural technology• War• World economic recession

World Food Production

Poor countries often grow ‘cash crops’ e.g sugar or bananas for export to rich countries

Fair-trade ensures that the farmer is paid a fair price for his crops

Food Production in the UK

Agricultural land in the UK is intensively farmed.

After the Word War 2 farmers received subsidies to

encourage production of food as cheaply as possible.

• More machinery – fewer farm workers• Large scale use of fertilisers, antibiotics,

pesticides• Larger fields• Large number of animals in special built

sheds• Loss of small farms as business farms took

over

Food Production in the UK

Since 1972 UK has belonged to the European Union (EU)

The EU influences food supply through the Common Agricultural Policy

(CAP)Aims:To increase productivity and efficiencyTo maintain farmers’ incomesTo secure supplies of foodTo provide food at a reasonable price

Food Production in the UK

Foods from the rest of the world are still imported ,as

not all foods can be grown within the EU.

The EU enforces its own regulations for various aspects of food production and retail such as:

• Hygiene• Weights and Measures• Labelling• Food Additives

Organic Farming

Many people object to the use of intensive farming methods for growing crops and rearing animals.

Organic farming is regulated by the Soil Association;

• Traditional methods• No artificial fertilisers, pesticides or growth hormones• Better for the environment• Improved taste

Genetic Modified Engineering (GM)

Al the information about a plant or animal , including its colour, size, shape and growth is carried in its genes.

Using Genetic Engineering scientists can alter the genes and change certain features of a plant or animal.

Examples:• Tomatoes that do not go soft• Potatoes that have a resistance to mould• Yeast that raises bread more quickly

Genetic Modified Engineering GM)

Some concerns :• Could affect the natural ecology of wildlife• Genes from animals could be used in foods,

which some religious groups forbid• Welfare of animals could be at risk• Legislation of such foods need to clearly

labelled

Discussion

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of GM foods