FOOD INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FUTURE1
It is apparent that the food industry of the future will be a dynamic, complex and a large-scale commercial operation. Vertical and horizontal integration will likely increase and thus blur the lines between agricultural production and agricultural processing. The growing need for food can only result in further rapid technological development. Accelerated progress toward more sophisticated, more convenient, nutritious and attractive foods can be expected to result from intensified application of science and technology. The amount of processing, handling and distribution of food will increase as a result of the lengthening distance between producer and consumer. Production of food, water, and energy to do man's work will be of the utmost importance. Nuclear energy will be used in producing man's food and water. Maintaining the safety and wholesomeness of an ever-changing food supply will require increasing emphasis on food sanitation. Quite apart from its importance in supplying world food needs, the food processing industry—including the production, distribution and marketing activities that are associated with it—will be considered a national resource of highest priority in meeting problems which affect our interests in international trade and assistance to developing countries. Food processing will be the key to economic development.