I recently read a list about the 50 most powerful people in food for 2011. The editors at The Daily Meal compiled this list of people based not only on their fame but also for their influence in either the food industry or food policy. I really found some of their choices interesting and others, questionable.
In the article they list TV personalities such as Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart, Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck and even Oprah Winfrey. I don't think that anyone can dispute the incredible influence that women like Martha Stewart and Oprah have had on nutrition. These two women have used their vast media empires to expand not only their own expertise on the subject, but they've also paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
On the other side of this list are the behind the scenes people, the policy makers, such as Arturo Rodriguez of the United Farm Workers, Dawn Sweeny of the National Restaurant Association, and even Ingrid Newkirk from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. These people, love them or hate them, are quite influential for their policy making efforts and, truthfully, their many successes.
Some other people who made the list are chefs, business owners, writers and even First Lady, Michelle Obama for their contributions to food. A couple of these people that I take special interest in are the mega-business people, like Hugh Grant, President and CEO of The Monsanto Company. While I understand that this man and his company have a HUGE effect on the food industry worldwide, I think that painting what they do along the same lines of food activists is quite unnerving. If you're unfamiliar with Monsanto, they are responsible for many of the GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) seeds and several other controversies. They are often ruthlessly attacking organic farmers and world food and seed distribution efforts.
I encourage you as students and readers to check out the article here and make your own decisions.
No comments:
Post a Comment