It all seems so surreal and sudden: people in various countries
are rioting for food and the local Costco is limiting the number
of bags of rice people can buy. In fact, the food crisis has
been building for a long time. It’s just hard to see it when you
live in the United States, with our fully stocked grocery stores
and comparatively high incomes. What’s causing this? Fossil fuel
price increases lead to higher food transport costs that are
passed onto consumers. Industrial agriculture, being dependent
on petroleum products for fertilizer and fuel for the machines
of labor, is no longer a source of cheap commodities. Investment
in Biofuels The money being poured into biofuels raises the
demand for corn and soy products and diverts them from food
production, meaning they get more expensive. Droughts in rice
and wheat producing areas, like Australia, mean diminished
supplies and higher prices. Population increases lead to rising
demand and higher prices. 10 Tips to Save Money on Groceries: 1.
Shop the bulk bin