Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

THE GLOBAL FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

JUSTIN J. KASTNER

Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas

COBUS L. BLOCK

University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming

1 INTRODUCTION

Any attempt to understand the global food supply chain and its security must draw on multiple academic perspectives. Indeed, today's multidimensional global food supply chain—which features a range of state and private actors (e.g. producers, consumers, intermediary companies, and a cornucopia of regulatory institutions) and issues (e.g. social, economic, and political concerns)—is best understood using a multidisciplinary approach [1]. Perhaps fittingly, this article is authored by scholars affiliated with the expressly interdisciplinary Frontier program for the historical studies of border security, food security, and trade policy (http://frontier.k-state.edu). Drawing on food science, public health, history, political science, economics, and the discipline of international political economy, this article seeks to describe the inherent complexity of the global food supply chain including food security-seeking policies and programs that have been adopted by governments and food companies, external threats including, but not limited to, agroterrorism and bioterrorism, and novel approaches whereby public and private institutions and agents can better manage the safety and security of food supply chains that span borders. The article concludes with outstanding research questions and themes relevant to ensuring the safety and ...