Different states in the United States of America produce different kind of crops. Each states usually imports food from other states or from other countries. The state of California remains the leading food producer in the U.
S. A. California produce crops like dates, figs, kiwifruits, olives, prunes, raisins, cloves, green onions, corn, soy beans, cotton and other crops. California remains the leading organic crops producer in the United States. However, it also imports produces like mushroom, wheat, rasp berry, papaya and others.
Different states produce different crops. Trade among states helps them to acquire what they do not produce and at the same time dispose off their surplus produce. The state of California produces organic produce in surplus and trades it off with other states. Domestic trade has enhanced growth of infrastructure which is the main pillar of trade.
Importance of global food trade: Global food trade is important in creating evenly distributed food resources i. e. countries can acquire what they don’t produce and trade off with what is in excess in their domestic market.According to ISAAA (2003), United States produce 63% of the world’s biotechnology crops global food trade is responsible for ensuring that all other countries are part of consumer chain of these products. According to FAO (2001), international trade is important in drafting and enforcing food standards which enhance food safety through exchange of policies on food safety. It is important for drafting of trade agreement even for non-food commodities.
It is understood that under GATT, general tariffs fall from 40 to 4 % on most trade commodities based on earlier agreement on tariffs on food commodities.Would United State Survive Without Global Food Trade? According to Trace B. et al (2005), the United States has not suffered any major food shortages for a long time. It has continued to be a food exported. The fact that it has elaborate irrigation system enhances its capability to be a food self sufficient nation. Although the future trend in agricultural out of the united states is determinant on the environmental changes taking place in the world, for now it remains less dependant on food imports and its market less dependant on agricultural exports.
Pros and cons of GMOs: GMOs are products of genetic engineering i. e. inserting genetic materials in genomes of species using recombinant DNA technology in order to have the desired characteristics in a plant. GMOs have increased food production in countries which have embraced the technology helping them to be food secure.
They have given rise to new field providing employment and research activities. However, biotechnology has received a cold welcome in many areas due to it’s arguably side effects on health.
