Food prices have been rising and the reason isn’t always obvious.
The real question is:
where do costs enter the system—and how do they add up?
In this episode, we break down how the modern food system works, and the different layers that contribute to the final price you pay.
We explore:
• How inputs like seeds, production, and distribution are structured
• Where additional costs are introduced along the supply chain
• How policies and incentives influence pricing
• Why rising costs don’t always reflect a single cause
This isn’t about pointing to one factor.
It’s about understanding how multiple layers interact—and how those interactions shape what you pay at the store.
Because when prices rise,
it’s usually the system—not a single variable—that explains why.
Listen on:
Related Articles:
The Hidden Costs of Food: Patents, Taxes, and Why Prices Keep Rising — and How to Fix It
About the Host
Daniel Stih (danielstih.com) is an aerospace engineer, software engineer, indoor environmental consultant, and author of 12 books. For more than 30 years, he has investigated complex problems spanning engineering, technology, the built environment, and human decision-making. His work explores how evidence, assumptions, and systems shape the conclusions we draw—and whether we're solving the right problem. Learn more about his approach in Why I Think This Way.