They are able to trust it only because the last rung of the supply chain..the grocery store..discards and wastes so much produce to put out only the best and prettiest looking produce on the shelves.
This conversation is jumping around all over the place isn't it? The fact remains people can and do trust produce; the extant food systems we have are working. The extant systems, regulations and all, provide the reliable, safe and cheap supply of food our civilization requires, and it do so pretty damn well.
As for waste, do you really think some shipping containers in the parking lot will provide an elastic supply? Even if you can install more containers on short notice, it would still take weeks at least for those units to start producing. The extant systems can and do respond to changes in demand in days, not weeks. If these were relied on for anything but luxury produce, you'd often have too much or too little. To provide a buffer, you have to start storing the produce, which negates the ultra-fresh appeal.
>This conversation is jumping around all over the place isn't it? The fact remains people can and do trust produce;
hmm..no, its not. we are stuck at the point where you continue to insist that its a 'fact' that people 'can and do trust produce'..
people trust their food sellers and vendors and outlets. they trust the farmer market seller, whole foods or safeway or costco.
the farmer most times doesnt even come in direct contact with 'the people'. the people are not our buyers. wholesalers, distributers and brokers are who we deal with.
i dont think you have any clue how farming or food supply chain or distribution works. i have no interest in continuing this discussion.
The wastage is enormous...and unconscionable.