Mark Muller, MS, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 2105 First Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404, 612-870-3420, mmuller@iatp.org

Many public policies likely contribute to rising obesity rates, including agricultural policy. Agricultural policy is public health policy, in effect. Sugars and fats are some of the cheapest food additives, thereby increasing their pervasiveness in the U.S. diet. The cost of food commodities is not dictated by the free market, but instead is largely driven by U.S. agricultural policy. This policy also helps dictate the sourcing of specific food additives. Policies that promote the production of corn well below the cost of production, for example, have spurred growth in the use of high fructose corn syrup, a high-calorie sweetener now ubiquitous in the U.S. food system. This presentation focuses on specific policies that impact the price of food products and are likely contributing to unhealthy food choices and rising obesity rates. It will then provide recommendations for how the health community can address the unintended health impacts of U.S. agricultural policy.

Learning Objectives: Following the presentation, each participant (learner) will be able to

• Describe how policy regarding food additives could be considered public health policy.
• Discuss evidence for a link between the price of corn, corn production and the obesity epidemic.
• List two recommendations for health-based changes in U.S. agricultural policy

Keywords: Environment, Food and Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.