I had the good fortune to watch the eye-opening documentary “Food, Inc” yesterday and I must say that I was astonished to hear in how few hands the food production system that feeds our country rests. I was equally taken aback by the cascade of effects that stem in large part from government subsidization of agriculture, particularly soy and corn production. If you haven’t seen the documentary, it is eye opening and worth the time.

Another element that stood out to me was the general feeling on the part of the average consumer that he or she is simply a victim of the “system” or perhaps more specifically, the large multinational corporations that appear to have a hand on the steering wheel as well as the accelerator of the “system.” Call me naive, but I have a hard time believing that corporations are inherently evil and out to get the common man.

Those large corporations are ultimately at the mercy of its consumers and each consumer has a vote with each purchase. Likewise, those corporations are typically publicly traded and their board and management are beholden to stockholders. The film points out that Walmart, for example, is very sensitive to its public image and the company has implemented a major push into organics and away from milk containing rBST. When you look at the volumes that Walmart purchases in, changes they make in reaction to its consumers‘ votes at the register matter immensely.

Capitalism’s uglier side – as with most unsavory elements in life – tends to lurk in the shadows, preferring anonymity. The idea behind most governmental regulation, I suppose, is to shed light on the darker corners that result from an industry or corporation’s inability to self-regulate. The balance between transparency and the need for privacy to remain competitive is a fine one and finding balance in that equation is critical to a thriving economy and in this case, a safe food production and delivery system. I don’t envy those who have the responsibility of establishing the regulatory framework, yet I am also keenly aware that I do have and should play a part as a consumer, citizen and human being who cares deeply about the future.

Do you consider every dollar you spend to be an important tool for helping to shape the future? Most people think of the money they spend in terms of what immediate gratification will come of it, but when you think about it, the money you spend also sends a signal up the line to a production planner in some company somewhere who in turn places purchase orders with suppliers who grow, harvest and deliver raw materials based on the new demand?

Don’t underestimate your purchasing power. Your vote counts!