U.s. Foreign Agricultural Production - 1492 Words

The U.S. has always been an importer of commodities that cannot be cultivated here such as bananas, mangos, cocoa and coffee. However, the U.S. has begun to import products that Americans are used to growing themselves. According to Phillip Abbot, a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University, â€Å"the problem is that other nations have successfully grabbed the markets U.S. farmers were counting on. Exports of the U.S. s biggest commodities such as corn, soybeans and wheat have been flat for a decade as other nations boost production. At the same time, imports of pricier items like fruits, vegetables, processed foods and some meats are surging. The largest challenge for American farmers is that agricultural products can be†¦show more content†¦The USDA is working to enhance productivity and ensuring the safety of the food supply. It invests in research of new varieties and technologies to mitigate animal/plant diseases and increase productivity, sustainabilit y, and product quality. This research has supported American farmers in their work to produce a safe and abundant food supply. The USDA is also working on improving nutrition and confronting obesity by developing effective education activities to promote health and reduce malnutrition and obesity in children and high-risk populations. Conserving natural resources and combating climate change is also a main focus. Scientists are developing rice and corn crops that are drought and flood resistant and helping to improve the productivity of soil, as well as production systems that require less pesticides. The USDA is delivering science based information to farmers and ranchers which will help them make informed decisions and improve practices in environmental conservation. According to the United States Census Bureau the average educational level in the U.S. has increased in the past two decades. In 1995, 81.7 percent of adults were high school graduates and 23 percent