Back in 2008, an interesting dynamic occurred that exposed how fragile food systems can be. Samir Allen Farhoumand started picking up news and information in the logistics work regarding food prices. However, what really took off at the time towards the end of 2007 and peaking in July 2008 was the sudden, unexplained shortage of a critical food staple – rice. The global rice shortage in the first half of the year was so dramatic and so widespread, Samir Allen Farhoumand and others saw rice hoarding occurring everywhere from street markets to the giant warehouse facilities of American Costco stores.