Modern Farmer: U.S. Can No Longer Feed Itself

Despite having nearly one billion acres of farmland and a population of just 330 million, the United States, long believed to be capable of "feeding the world," can no longer sustain itself, Angela Huffman of Farm Action wrote in Modern Farmer Weekly.

American diets are increasingly dependent on imported fresh produce.

The number of U.S. farms producing food for direct consumption has been declining for years, making the country increasingly reliant on imports. The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is projected to hit a record-breaking $45.5 billion this year.

“Farmers know how to feed us. It’s backward government policies that are standing in their way,” Huffman stated.

She criticized federal farm subsidies, which overwhelmingly favor large agribusinesses over small and mid-sized farms.

“Our taxpayer dollars are propping up the largest industrial agriculture operations, allowing the big to get bigger—while smaller farms are disappearing.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) heavily subsidizes the production of corn and soybeans, which are primarily used for livestock feed, ethanol, and processed food ingredients.

However, just 4% of government subsidies go toward growing fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, even though the USDA categorizes them as "specialty crops."

As a result, American diets are increasingly dependent on imported fresh produce.

• In 2021, the U.S. imported 60% of its fresh fruit and 38% of its vegetables.

• In 2019, the U.S. imported $15.7 billion worth of produce from Mexico. By 2023, that number had climbed to $21 billion.

New York fruit grower Chip Kent voiced frustration over the imbalance in subsidies, noting that he has received just $500 in federal aid, while the largest agricultural corporations collect the bulk of subsidies.

“We could use a little help. Who’s going to grow our food? Do you really want to buy it all from overseas?” Kent asked in a recent CNBC interview.