4 chapters across the catalog
An outbreak of crop-destroying army worms in the Democratic Republic of Congo has devastated 63,000 hectares of corn, causing prices to triple. The episode concluded with a George Carlin song, "I'm an Alpha Male on Beta Blockers," and a final sign-off from the hosts.
Governors from several U.S. states and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization have called on the EPA to waive the 10% ethanol mandate for gasoline due to record droughts. Corn prices have risen to $8 per bushel, leading to concerns about global food shortages and starvation in poor nations. Critics argue the mandate benefits the corn lobby while negatively impacting the environment and food security.
A debate ensues over the standard layout of supermarkets, with one host claiming produce is always on the left to discourage healthy shopping. The discussion shifts to the "war on food," specifically the rising price of corn and the prevalence of genetically modified ingredients in packaged goods. Listeners are encouraged to learn to cook and shop at farmers' markets.
Biofuels and Global Food Prices, World Bank Report
A leaked World Bank report suggests that 75% of the recent global surge in food prices is attributable to the production of biofuels. The shift from food crops to fuel-grade grain, incentivized by government subsidies, has created a shortage of edible cereals. The hosts criticize "green" energy policies for prioritizing car fuel over human nutrition.
