It has been said, and believably so. “In a market economy food flows in the direction of economic demand. Need is not taken into consideration. To illustrate, in the event that there are hungry cats and hungry children, the food will go to the cats if the owners of the cats have money and the children’s parents do not,” (Wright, 2004).
The United States Department of Agriculture has created a standard to be met in the quality of agriculture foods. The department also provides price information on the products and ensures its transportation and marketing. The cost of transporting (including the exporting and importing) of the commodities to market can be great. Thus, in making an agricultural dollar, only those persons with the available funds will be able to afford and eat the commodities. (USDA, 2008.)
Food processing and production is a general area where there should be room for expansion. It is said by World Bank that, “the high level of food imports means the industry should be able to increase its domestic market share fairly easily,” (Wright, 1999). It is all about money. Making money, spending money, creating avenues for economic growth is also a part of the industry. Shifts in trade patterns depend on income growth and food expenditures, production, and transportation costs. These things also have huge bearing on food consumption and dietary habits. To make the above statement that has caused quite the commotion, is more realistic than one might think.
“Pet food remained a non-traded product for the United States until 1983. U.S. exports sales doubled between 1993 and 1998…,” (Gehlhar & Coyle, 2001.) According to the USDA the annual growth of pet food product in the US is 23.3 %. The ever growing demand for the ‘necessity’ of pet food alone is greater than that of our bread, grains, bean, and dairy combined at only 16.3%. (Gehlhar et al, 2001.)
So when the numbers agree, let it be known that those who have the means to purchase the food for consumption shall be those who choose with whom they will share; even if it is their cat.