ABSTRACT
The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that direct and indirect use of energy by the food system amounts to about 17 percent of all energy used by the economy. The amount of energy used in food processing and commercial eating establishments is greater than that used in farm production. A most energy-intensive, on-farm practice is the use of petrochemicals, especially pesticides and fertilizers. Any balanced discussion of energy in the food system must consider livestock, for they represent a most significant part of farm output. Consumer preferences and incomes will undoubtedly have a great deal to do with the way resources are used in the processing, marketing, and distribution as well as in the preparation portion of the food system. Public policy concerning energy use and the food system should reflect the role it is hoped the food system will play in the larger economy.
