The increasing dependence of food production on oil

Description:

Today's food system is completely reliant on cheap crude oil. Virtually all of the processes in the modern food system are now dependent upon this finite resource, which is nearing its depletion phase (see other driving force: the increasing relative shortage of oil).

Moreover, at a time when we should be making massive cuts in the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in order to reduce the threat posed by climate change, the food system is lengthening its supply chains and increasing emissions to the point where it is a significant contributor to global warming.

Enablers:

• Oil refined for gasoline and diesel is critical to run the tractors, combines and other farm vehicles and equipment that plant, spray the herbicides and pesticides, and harvest/transport food and seed
• Food processors rely on the just-in-time (gasoline-based) delivery of fresh or refrigerated food
• Food processors rely on the production and delivery of food additives, including vitamins and minerals, emulsifiers, preservatives, colouring agents, etc. Many are oil-based. Delivery is oil-based
• Food processors rely on the production and delivery of boxes, metal cans, printed paper labels, plastic trays, cellophane for microwave/convenience foods, glass jars, plastic and metal lids with sealing compounds. Many of these are essentially oil-based
• Delivery of finished food products to distribution centres in refrigerated trucks. Oil-based, daily, just-in-time shipment of food to grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, schools, etc., all oil-based; customer drives to grocery store to shop for supplies, often several times a week

(source: http://www.energybulletin.net/5045.html)

Inhibitors:

• The EU is deciding not to cut down is subsidies on agriculture. The EU farmers can keep on producing, which decreases the supply chain and therefore the dependency on oil

Paradigms:

• Sustainable food production is measured by economic gains: this the battle between the developed and developing countries.
• Sustainable food production should also be measured by distance and energy efficiency: how much energy does it take to produce? And can we use alternative sources of energy?

Experts:

• -

Timing:

• Closely connected to the relative shortage of oil. When oil supply becomes apparant, food supply is in danger.

Web Resources:

• http://www.energybulletin.net/5045.html