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Science & Innovation

The relationship

between science and

food

Written by Dr Heather Bray and Prof Rachel A Ankeny - School of Humanities, University of Ad-
elaide

Food and science have a complex relationship in contemporary Western societies.
Although science has a fundamental role in providing access to affordable, safe
and nutritious food for many, the role of science in food production seems to be
challenged by movements such as political and ethical consumerism, natural and
slow-food advocates and dietary trends such as the Paleo diet.

t the same time, the preservation practices and the
continued application of introduction of foreign plants and
Access to science, Technology, Innovation, Productivity and Profitability
science and technology animals into new locales.
in food production is
Aadvocated by many as We used science not just to make
being the solution to ensuring global our food safer and last longer or
food security in the face of challenges to unlock valuable nutrients, but
such as an increasing population, also to experience new tastes.
altered distribution of global wealth Foods have acquired socio-
and a changing climate. However, cultural meanings beyond their
the claim that science is needed to nutritional content, particularly
address food security needs in the since we stopped eating merely
face of a changing climate seems to to survive: for example, many
be falling on deaf ears in societies religions have food restrictions and
where food is abundant, choice consumption practices as articles
is overwhelming and diseases of of faith. Celebratory events became
excess are increasing. So is science associated with special meals or
the scourge or the saviour of food dishes, and the development of
production? culinary traditions allowed food to
“The public is right to become an expression of wealth,
be concerned about We have used science to fiddle status, nationalism and personal
food production. The with our food for thousands of identity. However it is the continued
resources used to years; through plant and animal development of science and
produce our food are domestication, the development technology and its application to
not limitless...” of fermentation and food food production, particularly in

The Australian Farmer • Issue 2017