(21) The yield on America's miracle crop has risen sbc-fold since 1926, thanks to innovations in fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and genetic modification. But the cornucopia has ecological costs ranging from more pollution to the vulnerability that dependence on only a few highly productive strains can bring. As the graph discusses the increase in corn production, it also shows how it is being produced at such high levels. It gives small descriptions of chemical and agricultural advances in farming today.
(21) 1996- 127 bushels/acre 73 million sales of genetically modified corn begin, and ethanol production expand.
(21) 1967 80 bushels/acre 60 million acres harvested Economical processing of corn byproduct into high- fructose corn syrup introduced.Sweet Facts About High Fructose Corn Syrup
McCary, J. "Sweet Facts About High-Fructose Corn Syrup." IDEA Fitness Journal, 6.6 (2009): 76.
(76) “Have you seen this ad on TV? Two moms are standing in a kitchen, where Mom Number I is pouring juice for a gaggle of kids in the background. Mom Number 2 looks shocked and wiirns her that the juice in question contains high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Mom 1 looks up and says, "So?" Cut to Mom 2, who suddenly real- izes that she can't détend her objection to HFCS. Mom I then goes on to assure everyone that HFCS is "natural and safe" for the children, who all presumably go on lo live happily and healthily ever after.”
This ad is a perfect example on how the public is thoroughly confused about what it is that they should be consuming. There used to be just good and bad, but now there is a “natural and safe” bad? It’s no wonder the public has no idea what to do. The author also discusses his position in the schools, in which he discusses the rise of childhood obesity and the attempt the government is making in healthier school lunches, in hopes that the one healthy meal will influence their food choices throughout the day and at home.
(76) “Why the Fuss Over HFCS? Topping the ingredient list of many processed foods and sweetened beverages, HFCS has garnered a great deal of attention for contributing to America's obesity problem. Over the past several years, re- searchers have pointed to a parallel rise in HFCS consumption and obesity rates in the United States. These findings have fueled the ongoing heated debate regarding the role that schools should play in pre- venting childhood obesity and have prompted the proposal of bans on selling sweetened beverages. Health advocates have used Approved by the U.S. such studies to justify changing local school wellness policies.”
(76) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)