Feeding Frenzy traces the history of the global food system and
reveals the underlying causes of recent turmoil in food markets.
Supplies are running short, prices keep spiking, and the media is full
of talk of a world food crisis. The turmoil has unleashed some dangerous
forces. Food-producing countries are banning exports even if this means
starving their neighbors. Governments and corporations are scrambling to
secure control of food supply chains. Powerful groups from the Middle
East and Asia are acquiring farmland in poor countries to grow food for
export -- what some call land grabs. This raises some big questions. Can
we continue to feed a burgeoning population? Are we running out of land
and water? Can we rely on free markets to provide? This book reveals
trends that could lead to more hunger and conflict. But Paul McMahon
also outlines actions that can be taken to shape a sustainable and just
food system.