Dairy Products Industry in 2006

Abstract

The complexi ty of American society is not likely to diminish during the next 25 yr. Many related factors such as economical, political, and social conditions are expected to become more complicated. The scientific revolution will continue, and most industries should anticipate major changes. Some will experience drastic changes, and all will be fraught with challenge. Business will operate in an increasing complexity of external and internal conditions. Computers and automation will continue to take over manual routine operations. Analysis of all aspects of past conditions of the food industry provides a basis for forecasting changes anticipated during the next 25 yr. Some experts are predicting a food crisis by the year 2000. This is not likely to happen unless a severe drought occurs in major food producing countries. A continued rapid populat ion increase in underdeveloped countries is expected and will contribute to the seriousness of low food production periods in the world. World population (6, 10) is estimated to be 6.5 to 7 billion in the year 2000. Eighty percent of the increase will be in the developing countries. Contributing factors will be birth rate, food supply, control of diseases, and longer life span. Developed nations will provide more technical aid and financial assistance to developing countries. Although much progress will occur to reduce starvation, it will continue in poor countries until birth control is highly effective, which will require more than 25 yr in those nations. No new major source of food is anticipated. Inflation in many countries will cause a substantial escalation in food costs. The