The growth in functional foods, modest so far, is ready to explode in the next century. Women in particular were more aware of functional foods and likely to believe their benefits. If there is a red flag, it may be in the term used to describe a food product that provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The convergence of food and pharmaceuticals has great implications for farmers. It certainly is something to contemplate.
Food is inexpensive and prescription drugs, in the view of many, are very expensive.
We are used to paying a lot for prescription drugs and little, by comparison, for food. A price convergence or evening of these prices would help agricultural producers. Stewart Truelsen is AFBF director of broadcast services. Legal Notice American Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau and the FB Logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Voice of Agriculture is a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation.