America's dependence on foreign oil has prompted the nation to enter into a number of questionable alliances with oil-producing nations. With that in mind, consider what a predicament the United States could find itself in if it becomes dependent on food produced in other nations.
Because American agriculture no longer is a prime mover of the nation's economy, various groups and individuals are floating the idea that maybe we should just let it go. A story in Monday's Journal-World noted the renewal of the notion that large portions of western Kansas should be returned to their earlier role as a vast grazing land for buffalo. Such a move could preserve our natural heritage and perhaps draw tourists to the state, advocates say.
But what about the farms that would be displaced? Who will produce the grain, cattle and other products that would have been generated by farms that were displaced to allow for the "buffalo commons"?
The Progressive Policy Institute, a Democratic think tank, has another idea for rural America. In a report issued last week, the institute advocates an end to all federal farm subsidies. According to the report, the money that would have been used for subsidies should be directed to a new "Rural Prosperity Corporation," which would use it to fund economic development efforts in rural areas.
Trying to bring new business enterprises to rural areas is a good idea and, in fact, is the goal of a major economic development initiative under consideration in the Kansas Legislature. But the Kansas plan doesn't rob Peter to pay Paul; it recognizes the importance of linking new economic development initiatives to the state's agricultural base.
Kansas and other states shouldn't be too quick to give up on agriculture. It's true that farming isn't the economic engine it once was. It's also true that some farm operators have abused federal farm subsidy programs. But, as a nation, we should think twice before allowing ourselves to become too dependent on other countries to put food on our tables.
Importing food already has raised health issues related to mad cow disease and an outbreak of hepatitis A that was linked to contaminated onions from Mexico. It also could become a national security issue if other countries are allowed too much control over our food supply. We know what some U.S. leaders have been willing to do to get oil for Americans. What would they do to get food?
America has a proud agricultural tradition that too often goes unappreciated. Before we dump farm subsidies or condemn thousands of acres of farmland for a buffalo pasture, we should consider where our next meals will come from.
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