Introduction
Today, society is increasingly aware of environmental issues and their impact on food quality and human health. The trend toward greater awareness of the need to be more active and consume organic food has been ongoing for several years. However, it is projected to continue to grow. The 2009 film, directed by Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow, is titled Dirt! The Movie emphasizes the importance of engaging more in ecological initiatives. Thus, in ten years, it is expected that the quality of soil, the rise of a plant-based diet, and the development of local food systems will be imperative.
Soil Fertility
The first point to consider when discussing the future of health and food is the importance of soil. Nowadays, soil fertility and health are widely recognized as the foundation of successful, environmentally friendly farming. To prevent erosion, increase water infiltration, enhance nutrient cycling, decrease input costs, and ultimately increase the resilience of the land, farmers may work with the ground rather than against it by optimizing soil health (U.S. Department of Agriculture para.1).
As mentioned in the Benenson film, industrial agriculture has a negative effect not only on soil but also on food quality (Dirt! The Movie). As a result, it is highly likely that, in ten years, the government will place greater emphasis on soil quality. This will result in greater support from agricultural organizations and farmers, helping sustain soil health nationwide.
Plant-Based Diet
Another way the future will be influenced in terms of health and food is the rise of a plant-based diet, which remains popular today. The film by Bill Benenson demonstrates that being more conscious about one’s dietary decisions yields personal benefits, as well as a willingness to contribute to ecological initiatives (Dirt! The Movie). According to the statistics, between 2014 and 2018, the proportion of Americans who consume vegan food rose by 600%.
Multiple factors influence the desire for plant-based diets (Clem and Barthel 234). Many people choose a plant-based diet to improve their health, show compassion for animals, or reduce their environmental impact. Others were also influenced by popular documentary films, media attention, and celebrity endorsements, in part (Clem and Barthel 234). Whatever the motivations for their shift, more Americans than ever are attempting to increase the proportion of plant-based meals in their diet.
Local Food
Lastly, in ten years, greater emphasis will be placed on local food systems. According to the Benenson film, the benefits of local food systems extend beyond simple food quality, involving a stronger economy and reduced environmental impact (Dirt! The Movie). Due to its numerous alleged advantages, local food systems have been promoted by authorities and civil society organizations over the past few decades.
The reason for its promotion is that it is seen as an agent of transformation for more equitable, durable, and resilient agricultural systems (Enthoven and Van den Broeck 1). With the implementation of this initiative, there will be increased opportunities for farm-to-table restaurants, programs that support agricultural efforts, and the expansion of farmers’ markets.
Conclusion
Over the next decade, key anticipated developments include strengthening local food systems, a significant increase in plant-based diets, and improvements in soil quality. When considering the future of food and health, the importance of soil must be given serious consideration. Given that healthy soil is essential to productive, ecologically friendly farming, soil fertility and health receive considerable attention today.
The growth of a plant-based diet, which remains quite popular today, is another factor that will impact health and food in the future. Finally, local food systems will receive increased attention. Its advocacy originates from the idea that it can reform agricultural systems to become more just, long-lasting, and robust.
Works Cited
Clem, Julia, and Brandon Barthel. “A Look at Plant-Based Diets.” Missouri Medicine, vol. 118, no. 3, 2021, pp. 233-238.
Dirt! The Movie. Directed by Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow, 2009.
Enthoven, Laura, and Goedele Van den Broeck. “Local Food Systems: Reviewing Two Decades of Research.” Agricultural Systems, vol. 193, 2021, pp. 1-22.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Soil Health.” Farmers, n.d.