Mass deportations would be an unmitigated disaster for American agriculture, a fact starkly illustrated by the concerns of a Florida tomato farmer who voted for Trump. He supports tariffs against Mexican farmers who undercut his business by employing cheaper labor, and he agrees with deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes. However, the prospect of expelling all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country fills him with dread. His family’s 4,000-acre tomato farm, like countless others, relies heavily on a workforce largely composed of undocumented workers.
The sheer scale of the proposed deportations is staggering, surpassing even the notorious 1954 operation that forced over a million people back to Mexico.… Continue reading
The anxieties of US farmers regarding potential deportations under a Trump administration are palpable. The worry isn’t just about a labor shortage; it’s about the very survival of their farms. Many farmers rely heavily on migrant workers, and the threat of their removal creates a stark picture of agricultural production grinding to a halt.
This isn’t a matter of simply finding replacements; the reality is that the existing system, while reliant on undocumented workers, is not easily adaptable to a sudden influx of legally compliant labor. The economic implications are severe, with potentially devastating consequences for farmers who have structured their businesses around a workforce that may be rendered unavailable.… Continue reading
On December 31st, over two dozen trucks carrying 500 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat, the first shipment under the Grain from Ukraine program, will arrive in Syria. This flour will provide free food for approximately 167,000 Syrians for one month. This initial delivery fulfills a promise to bolster Syrian food security, with the potential for significantly larger future shipments. The program has already sent 23,000 tonnes of maize to Mozambique and Malawi.
Read More
Widespread soil degradation, driven by overfarming, climate change, and unsustainable practices, is threatening global food security and causing a surge in grocery prices. The UN’s FAO estimates that over 90 percent of Earth’s soil could be degraded by 2050, resulting in reduced crop yields and increased reliance on costly fertilizers. This soil depletion is directly linked to rising food prices, as seen in the significant increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index for food since 2016. Experts urge immediate action, advocating for sustainable farming practices and policy changes to protect and restore soil health.
Read More
Ukraine’s readiness to supply food to Syria, following a reported suspension of Russian supplies and the hypothetical fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, presents a compelling geopolitical narrative. This move underscores Ukraine’s significant role as a global grain and oilseed producer and exporter, even amidst its own ongoing war. The potential for such a large-scale food supply demonstrates Ukraine’s capacity to project influence beyond its borders.
The timing of this offer is particularly noteworthy. It directly counters Russia’s influence in Syria, a region where Russia has historically wielded considerable power, often using food and other resources as leverage. By stepping in to fill the potential void left by Russia, Ukraine not only provides crucial humanitarian aid but also subtly challenges Russia’s regional dominance.… Continue reading
Denmark is returning 15% of its farmland back to nature, a move that has sparked considerable international discussion. The plan aims to restore biodiversity and improve environmental sustainability, a significant undertaking considering the scale – an area larger than two of Denmark’s islands combined is slated for conversion. This initiative involves transforming agricultural land into forests and peatlands, significantly altering the nation’s landscape.
The economic implications are a major point of contention. While some worry about reduced food production and increased reliance on imports, others see it as a necessary trade-off for environmental health. Concerns arise about the impact on farmers, particularly given the substantial subsidies the EU provides for agricultural production.… Continue reading
As I sit here contemplating the recent news about Namibia’s plans to kill more than 700 animals, including elephants and hippos, in order to distribute their meat amid drought and widespread hunger, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of sadness and despair. The fact that such a drastic measure is even being considered is a clear indication of the dire situation we find ourselves in due to climate change.
The impending humanitarian crisis that will inevitably arise from the effects of global warming should serve as a wake-up call to us all. We cannot continue to ignore the devastating impact our actions are having on the planet and its inhabitants.… Continue reading
Ireland is facing a potential potato shortage, and as an Irishman myself, this news hits close to home. Potatoes are not just a staple in our diet; they are a part of our culture and history. The thought of not having enough potatoes to go around is truly a nightmare for us growers and consumers alike.
While some may scoff at the idea of a potato shortage, dismissing it as a trivial matter, the reality is that potatoes are a significant part of Ireland’s agricultural economy. A shortage could have serious implications for both farmers and consumers. It’s not just about missing out on our favorite potato dishes; it’s about livelihoods being at stake.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker