The reasons for this are as complex as the global economy. On the individual level, the consumer can consider buying directly from small scale farmers. You are likely to get better quality food, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what you are eating. To do this, check out farmer's markets. Ask who is growing the food and how.
Some farmers sell direct.
For example, as Floyd and I went to university, we had customers on campus. I delivered eggs to the philosophy department on my way to the creative writing department. They knew exactly what they were getting, and exactly where it came from. In short, buy local. THE CURE often dealt with very difficult subject matter, and it was, after all, my first novel.