Understanding Our Food System

Birke Baehr, an 11-year-old, discusses the problems with the industrialized food system, including misleading marketing, genetically engineered foods, and harmful farming practices. He advocates for organic farming and local food choices, highlighting the benefits of knowing where food comes from. Birke shares his personal journey from aspiring NFL player to wanting to be an organic farmer, inspired by figures like Joel Salatin. He emphasizes the importance of making informed choices to support health and the environment.

What is the main concern the speaker has about marketing and advertising directed at children?

• It leads children to believe misleading information about food.

• It helps children understand the food system better.

• It encourages children to eat more vegetables.

• It promotes healthy eating habits.

What is a genetically engineered seed?

• A seed that is resistant to all pests.

• A seed that is only used in organic farming.

• A seed that is grown naturally without any modifications.

• A seed that is altered in a lab to have new traits.

What health issues have been linked to genetically engineered corn in lab animals?

• Improved digestion and metabolism.

• Increased energy levels.

• Enhanced immune system.

• Liver and kidney toxicity.

Why do conventional farmers use chemical fertilizers?

• To reduce the need for water.

• To make crops grow faster than usual.

• To replenish nutrients in soil depleted by repeated cropping.

• To enhance the natural flavor of crops.

What is the environmental impact of using pesticides and herbicides?

• They can poison water sources.

• They help in water conservation.

• They improve soil quality.

• They increase biodiversity.

What career did the speaker initially want to pursue before choosing organic farming?

• A teacher

• An NFL football player

• A chef

• A scientist

Who is Joel Salatin, according to the speaker?

• A famous chef

• A lunatic farmer who grows against the system

• A conventional farmer

• A food scientist

What is one way the speaker suggests we can make a difference in the food system?

• By eating more processed foods.

• By buying food from large supermarkets.

• By choosing organic and local food.

• By avoiding all vegetables.

What does the speaker believe about kids and fresh vegetables?

• Kids prefer only processed foods.

• Kids will eat fresh vegetables if they know more about them.

• Kids should not be concerned about their food.

• Kids will never like fresh vegetables.

What choice does the speaker suggest we have regarding food expenses?

• Pay the farmer or pay the government.

• Pay the supermarket or pay the hospital.

• Pay the farmer or pay the hospital.

• Pay the farmer or pay the supermarket.