Not available to order
Publication date:
16 December 2011Length of book:
84 pagesPublisher
Hamilton BooksISBN-13: 9780761855972
Cornucopia explores the health and economic implications of U.S. farm policy. Using a corn farm in rural South Dakota as his starting point, Johnson reviews the history of agricultural policies in America to understand how large-scale, industrial agriculture came to play such a large role in U.S. and world food production. He also discusses the role of agricultural policies in the on-going "food for fuel" debate, as well as the linkages between agricultural outputs and health outcomes. As the U.S. battles with a burgeoning epidemic of dietary disease - including some of the highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the developed world - it is especially important to understand where our food comes from and its relation to health, nutrition, and economic mobility. Ensuring America's health and well-being requires us to first return to the farm.
Patrick's book smartly detassles the important facts from fiction about corn, big farming and agriculture policy in America. His nuanced view on the complicated topic draws from a consultant's view of policy. The book also benefits from his experience growing up in corn country, right down to recipe recommendations at the end.