Research Description:

Relationship Between Dietary Fads, Orange Juice Consumption and Ecosystem Preservation

Dietary trends such as the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet are having a major impact on the foods consumed by the American public. With an emphasis placed on low-carbs and low-sugar, diets influence the public to eliminate certain foods from their daily eating routine. One industry that has been drastically affected by this recommendation has been the citrus industry. Orange juice consumption has dropped by 44 million gallons since the peak of these diets. This decline has once again raised the issue of food disparagement laws. Should the proponents of these diets be held financially responsible for the loss suffered by the citrus industry?

Perhaps an even bigger issue is the damage suffered by the ecosystem. If citrus growers continue to loose money, they can no longer afford to stay in business. This has forced farmers to sell their land to developers, leading to the destruction of precious and valuable ecosystems. This situation raises another important question: Is it possible to preserve the ecosystem, while offering alternatives to farmers who feel that they have no other choice but to sell their land in order to survive?

This research project will further investigate the relationship between diet trends, orange juice consumption and the destruction of the ecosystem. Examining, from all points of view, if the ensuing food disparagement litigation is justified, and if private development of their land, that stems as a result of the farmers financial loss, is the only way out of this cycle. In the end, the research will propose ideas and solutions that may help one understand this growing and ever-present issue facing, not only the citrus industry, but the future of our families.