Putting the World on a Better Diet: A Review of Global Eating Disorder

• Main Author: Grace Gershuny
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thomas A. Lyson Center for Civic Agriculture and Food Systems 2016-10-01
• Series: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development
• Subjects: Globalization; Technology; Commodity Crops; Capitalism
• Online Access: https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/423

First paragraphs: Gunnar Rundgren has written a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the global food system, how it got that way, and what it will take to move toward a more regenerative and equitable one—or, more to the point, toward diverse, locally appropriate systems. Global Eating Disorder takes the reader through a metaphorical menu that encompasses the ecological and economic dimensions of each course, and serves up the associated historical, political, and cultural considerations with relish. Prodigiously researched facts support Rundgren's arguments at every step. It all adds up to the conclusion that the way most food in today's globalized and industrial food system is produced, manufactured, transported, and marketed is creating poor health among the humans who consume it as well as the planetary ecosystems that sustain us all. The author has a deep background as a leading international advocate, consultant, and practitioner of the kinds of solutions he envisions for the dessert course of this meal. Starting as a pioneer organic farmer, Rundgren helped develop Sweden's well-respected organic labeling scheme (KRAV), then later served as president of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) world board from 2000 to 2005. Since that time he has been a consultant and trainer, primarily in developing countries, and has helped draft policy documents for various UN agencies. Global Eating Disorder builds on information collected in the course of his work, as well as on ideas elaborated on in his previous book, Garden Earth: From Hunter and Gatherer to Global Capitalism and Thereafter, published in 2010....