The food industry has undergone changes, and food travels long distances before finally reaching customers. While some people argue that this is a positive development on the economy, I believe that the disadvantages of this idea would be more significant.
One reason why food travels thousands of miles is that the global trade and supply chains systems of food have become more prevalent. As trade barriers between countries have decreased and transportation infrastructure has developed, it is easier and more affordable to ship food over long distances, allowing a variety of food to be available to urban consumers even if the food is not grown locally. For instance, avocados are originally from Mexico, but thanks to the development of trade globally, they are readily available around the world where it would be impossible to grow locally due to the climate. Another reason is that it enables customers to have access to a wide range of ingredients and flavors all year round. In the past, individuals could only eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, but with the global supply chain, products can be transported and arrive at destinations, regardless of seasonal limitations in their local regions.
However, global food transportation has brought significant contributions to environmental issues such as climate change. The carbon emissions from transportation vehicles have a negative impact on air quality and contribute to greenhouse effect, which lead to the rising of temperatures and impact on human health. Additionally, transporting food over long distances can affect the quality and nutritional values of fruits and vegetables. The fluctuations of temperature or delays in shipping can lead to food spoilage, resulting in food waste and further environmental harm. For instance, fresh produce including berries can spoil during long transport times if not stored or handled.
In conclusion, while it may seem convenient to have access to food all over the world, the transportation of food over long distances has significant negative consequences relating to environmental issues.