A classic publication about food insecurity remains “Bittersweet Harvests for Global Supermarkets: Challenges in Latin America’s Agricultural Export Boom” from 1995 by Lori Ann Thrupp, Gilles Bergeron, and William F. Waters Published: published by the World Resources Institute in Washington, DC. A he central lesson in it is that hunger and malnutrition can worsen even during increased agricultural production.
Agricultural exports do not automatically translate into improved food security for local populations. Research cited in the book showed that despite gains in income and agricultural productivity from non-traditional export crop adoption, there were “no visible positive effects on nutrition” among farming households. The authors present a balanced analysis, highlighting both the “sweet” benefits—such as billions in revenue, hundreds of thousands of jobs, and year-round availability of exotic produce in global markets—and the “bitter” drawbacks, including economic volatility, environmental degradation, and social inequities. Drawing on empirical research, interviews with farmers, workers, and policymakers, and case studies, the book argues for more sustainable and equitable approaches to agroexport policies to prevent long-term harm.
Latin America’s export boom prioritized cash crops for international markets over staple foods for domestic consumption. This can lead to food dependency” where producing countries import basic grains while exporting high-value items, driving up local food prices and reducing access for vulnerable populations. In 2025, this dynamic persists in Latin America and other regions, contributing to food insecurity amid rising global demand for fresh produce.
