Interestingly, it was on a conservative blog that I came
across an article about Obama’s idea to
reform how we conduct international food aid, and accredits the president’s
reform as a, “small but very reasonable suggestion.” As of now we buy most the food from our farmers
and then ship it overseas rather than buying the food in the impoverished
area. If we were to buy the food
overseas not only would we feed over an additional 17 million people, we would
strengthen their economy and potentially discourage their reliance on food aid
in the future.
Our
current policies regarding international food aid are outdated and inefficient. We support our farmers by buying the food
here and then ship it overseas on preferred shipping vessels supporting certain
corporate interests. Our international
food aid costs us only .05% of our federal budget annually and recues millions
from malnutrition and starvation. They
way the system has worked until now we spend .53 cents per dollar on transport
and regulation of the food which adds up to a staggering $471 annually. On top of that the food takes up to six
months to reach its destination. In the
case of Ethiopia, 2,200 tons of wheat bought here could be 5,400 tons bought in
the local economy.
Many
politicians involved in agriculture, in both parties are opposed to this
reform. Republican Robert Aderholt of
Alabama, also the head of the House agriculture subcommittee is worried about
how this would affect American farmers.
Democrat Sam Farr of California, who is also on the committee is,
“not endorsing the transfer-the realignment-until there are assurances that the program will remain intact and not be raided by other foreign ops interests.” He is also confident that we will not see this happen any time soon as, “that’s the politics.”
“not endorsing the transfer-the realignment-until there are assurances that the program will remain intact and not be raided by other foreign ops interests.” He is also confident that we will not see this happen any time soon as, “that’s the politics.”
While of course this type of change will bring economic
losses to the country don’t think this is a party, or even political
issue. When we are talking about the
lives of over 17 million people it becomes an ethical issue.
Works
Cited
"Food aid: a critical
program, ripe for reform — Oxfam America." Oxfam America: Working
together to end poverty and injustice. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2013.
<http://www.oxfamamerica.org/campaigns/food-justice/food-aid>.
Johnsen, Erika. "Attempt to
improve U.S. food-aid efficiency going about as well as you’d expect « Hot Air." HotAir — Politics,
Culture, Media, 2012, Breaking News from a conservative viewpoint. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 6 May 2013.
<http://hotair.com/archives/2013/05/02/attempt-to-improve-u-s-food-aid-efficiency-going-about-as-well-as-youd-expect/>.
5 comments:
I actually think the presidents idea is actually kinda smart. It should help the country's who gets the food aid gain economically and become sustaining opening up potential markets. To argue about the home farmer why can't we use that food to be sold here instead of importing food or better yet why not have the food pantry's or homeless shelter's purchase from the local farmers. What others way could we help support American farmers if US was to purchase the food aid from within that country recieving it?
I like the idea of buying locally. I try to buy local at any chance I can. It is good to keep jobs in America. If we support our farmers it will help out our country. I also find it funny that you found this on a conservative blog.
I also like the idea of buying locally but that can cause other problems, this issue is so touchy especially with keeping it here or not. Food isn't the hot button issue it used to be but it is still very much being talked about in all areas.
I like this Idea as well and support Zach’s comment but the only question I have is whether or not there is a sustainable amount of food to be bought in these areas; in some cases I feel that we would be forced to export simply based on geographic location, but maybe we could export yields from other neighboring nations while spending a still relatively small amount on teaching the basics of self-sustaining farming practices. But I feel President Obama has a great alternative.
I am also a huge fan of buying local. It helps the local economy as well as fosters a sense of community among residents. Good job with your post.
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