Parts of our food chain are toxic and dangerous. With increasing frequency in recent years outbreaks of food-borne bacteria have resulted in deaths and the sickening of many thousands. Pathogens appear in our beef, chicken, lettuce, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, pistachios and peanuts. What's next? The industrialized agribusiness model is fraying and is posing more and more health threats to the general population. Consumer confidence in the safety of our food supply is waning. In addition to hygienic issues, food corporations make wild unsubstantiated claims about their products. For example, General Mills, the maker of Cheerios says the cereal is "clinically proven to help lower cholesterol." In response to the worsening situation, many citizens are turning to locally-based organic farmers to provide them with nutritious food without pesticides and additives. Farmers markets are springing up everywhere.

Paul Roberts is a journalist and author. His articles appear in major newspapers and magazines. He's the author of The End of Oil. His latest book is The End of Food.