Are processed foods to blame? Or farmers? Or are today's nutrition woes a result of people not understanding their food source and science?

By Lindsey Loving, International Food Information Council Foundation

The buzz word these days in the food world is “processed” – and by and large, it’s being used as a negative term. But what do people really mean when they use it? It may come as a surprise that some of the negativity regarding processed foods is being directed toward modern agricultural and food production, in addition to foods with low nutritional value and foods containing “artificial” ingredients or components. After all, who thinks of produce and commodities straight from the farm as being processed?

In fact, some critics of processed foods point to large-scale agriculture as responsible for increasing food safety risks and for the proliferation of less nutrient-rich foods. Some also assert that only foods grown organically or “locally” can be good for us, and that food grown conventionally or through biotechnology isn’t safe or nutritious and is bad for the environment.

The recent shift in the public focus on where food comes from, along with increased concerns about the environment and sustainability, means that the tidal wave of anti-processed foods sentiments could also negatively affect farmers.

Research shows, however, that consumers are more favorable toward some forms of modern food production when they are aware of how it benefits them – and the farmer. The International Food Information Council’s 2010 “Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology” Survey found that while only 32% of consumers are favorable toward plant biotechnology, that number goes up when biotechnology is described in terms of benefits to the farmer – half (51%) of consumers say they are favorable toward farmers using biotechnology to grow more crops that would help meet food demand!

Without an understanding of how food is produced, one can’t appreciate just how much work goes in to producing a healthy crop that can feed hundreds of hungry people (And let’s face it, most people these days have never been on a farm and have careers in industries other than farming, preventing a full appreciation for all that farming entails). That’s why it’s important to share information with consumers about the “farm to fork” process and provide examples of how modern agricultural production and food processing benefit them as consumers, including the availability of foods year-round and greater affordability, choice, and convenience.

As always, it is important to show how scientific research supports the safety and efficacy of modern food production and processing technologies, and explain the parameters that are in place for ensuring the continuing safety of America’s food supply.

It’s easy to blame everything that’s wrong with the world on processed foods, but that isn’t going to solve the bigger problems facing us, like protecting our limited natural resources and scaling up food production to meet growing needs.

Renewed interest in where our food comes from and how it is produced represents an opportunity for you, our nation’s farmers, to tell the world your story.

The International Food Information Council Foundation is a nonprofit association located in Washington, DC, whose mission is to effectively communicate science-based information on health, food safety and nutrition for the public good. For resources on modern food production and processing, visit the IFIC Foundation’s Understanding Our Food website: www.foodinsight.org/understandingourfood.aspx.