Patricia Bruglio
BUSN 2060
Case Study Assignment
Food, Inc.

How has technology been applied to the food production process? Give / describe at least 3 examples. There are several benefits technology has applied to the food production process. Genetic engineering is one approach that has allowed scientists to introduce new traits or characteristics to an organism. For example, plants may be genetically engineered to produce characteristics that enhance the growth or nutritional value of food crops. Cotton, corn and soybeans are the most common GE crops in the U.S., according to the USDA. Most of the food we eat today has undergone some form of food processing. A process known as “food irradiation”makes our fresh and frozen poultry and meats safe by destroying the bacteria that can make us sick. This technology treats foods with ionizing radiation that can kill bacteria and parasites that have the potential to cause foodborne disease. The advances in chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides have highly impacted the food production process. Today’s modern fertilizers promote crop growth and protect crops from weeds, insects, and other pests. Various pesticides and herbicides work in different ways. A prime example is glyphosate which was originally discovered in 1970. Today 80% of U. S. soybean fields use glyphosate to eliminate weeds. It eliminates more than 125 kinds of weeds, but does not affect mammals, birds, fish, or insects.
How has business influenced government in the agricultural / food industry? Give at least 3 examples from the documentary. Business has influenced government in the agricultural / food industry by finding ways to monopolize the food industry. One example, is McDonald’s, who is the largest purchaser in the U.S. of ground beef, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, pork, and