The Pitfalls of Crop Importation

While farming has long been an integral part of the American economic system, the US farming community has been plagued with a new blight over the last few years – imported crops. With locally grown food initiatives rising in popularity, one has to ask the question – who is really benefitting from importing crops? While consumers do reap some cost reductions and a wider selection, the true beneficiaries are the large food processors and distributors whose primary goal is to boost profit margins. In an article from independent media provider Alternet, author Jason Mark outlines the issues facing famers and consumers in the United States as a result from increased crop imports, highlighting the importance of re-stimulating agriculture in America.

For a variety of reasons, it seems in America’s best interest to maintain internal production of our crops. Not only does importing result in the loss of many US agriculture jobs, it isn’t doing much to fix the country’s debt burden either. Consumer surveys also indicate that most Americans prefer to buy locally/domestically grown food, even with slightly higher costs. Others argue further that relying on importing food from lower wage countries puts us at a greater risk for endangering food security.

Despite many foods that have been able to be produced domestically shifting to lower cost offshore production, science is now making it possible to produce crops previously unsuited for growth in the US. Chia is a prime example. While chia seeds normally require a long growing season found in countries with tropical or subtropical climates like Mexico, Guatemala or Australia; US Chia utilizes a line of seed that make it feasible for chia to be grown right here in our own back yard. By producing our chia domestically, we are able to create and reignite agricultural jobs in the US, while also helping to meet the increasing demand of the nutritious chia seed. Support US Chia’s American farmers by visiting our online store.

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