Why do our economic systems promote unsustainable forms of industrialized agriculture?
A) They are so successfully at providing healthy food to our populations
B) The harmful environmental and health costs of food production are not reflected in market prices.
C) They are extremely effective in cutting costs.
D) They are major job providers.
E) The food production is efficient enough to justify the negative consequences.

Question

Why do our economic systems promote unsustainable forms of industrialized agriculture?​
A) ​They are so successfully at providing healthy food to our populations
B) ​The harmful environmental and health costs of food production are not reflected in market prices.
C) ​They are extremely effective in cutting costs.
D) ​They are major job providers.
E) The food production is efficient enough to justify the negative consequences.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Our economic systems promote unsustainable forms of industrialized agriculture because the harmful environmental and health costs of food production are not reflected in market prices. This means that the true cost of producing food (such as water pollution, soil degradation, and health consequences for farm workers and consumers) is not accounted for, making it appear cheaper than it actually is. As a result, producers are incentivized to prioritize cutting costs and maximizing profits over sustainability and minimizing negative impacts.

Why Do Our Economic Systems Promote Unsustainable Forms of Industrialized