The production of food by farmers, ranchers and fishermen is only a small part of the food system. There are all the agribusinesses that provide inputs to the farmers, such as farm machinery, fuel, pesticides, herbicides, etc. After the food is produced there is a system of buyer and wholesalers that acquire the raw materials, processors that fabricate food products, and distributors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, etc. that deliver the food to consumers.

Only about 5% of the total cost goes to the farmers, and they are probably only about 5% of the sustainability issue.