An article in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA) provides evidence of homogenization of diets throughout the world by an analysis of FAO data. Although diets at the local scale are becoming more diverse by the inclusion of foods from other parts of the world, overall diets are becoming more and more similar around the world such that humans are relying on a narrower assortment of crops. This narrowing food base and greater interdependence between countries has implications for food security.
The rapid rate of homogenization of diets means minor and geographically restricted food plants are declining in importance. The article highlights the need to monitor agricultural production and use at a finer level of detail regarding diversity. As conservation depends on utilization, the article also emphasizes that policies should ensure access to as wide a range of genetic diversity of cultivated plants as possible.
The article is accessible on the PNAS webpage: