With cutting-edge technological advancements, mainly in the sphere of transportation, a wide range of foods are available from farmland directly to our table. Some argue that imported foods are the best way of fulfilling one’s needs, especially when considering tropical citrus fruits that are mostly grown in certain countries. I, however, believe that despite their potential benefits, imported foods are having a detrimental effect on the economy of some countries, which is the most crucial aspect to take into account.
True, some farms are not adept at producing citrus fruits in their country because of climatic factors. These fruits can be oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits that are only grown in tropical environments. Many farmers have tried artificial and expensive methods to grow those fruits in their country but ended up with negative results and wasted their funds. Additionally, farmers who export their commodities can foster economic growth and employment opportunities. So, this is a valid reason why imported fruits like these can be encouraged and shared among many different nations.
On the other hand, the influx of international food might put the country’s food culture at risk and cause economic dependency. Many countries are relying on the supply of food products coming from neighboring nations, as it means cheap and affordable food. This trend has made farmers give up growing fresh produce like potatoes, onions, and carrots, which we use daily in our dishes. This dwindling food production process is causing fertile land to be converted into arid and deserted areas and eventually used for construction purposes. For example, Kazakhstan has been a leader in exporting flour to neighboring nations like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and these importing countries reduced their wheat fields, relying on Kazakhstan’s flour. The resulting outcome was insurmountable when the Kazakh government implemented a quota on flour due to low yields, which made dependent countries look for another expensive supplier like Ukraine. This dependency is likely to increase unless each country initiates the growing of its own food, even if it is in small amounts.
To conclude, the rare kinds of foods that are shipped to trade partner countries are meaningful in terms of sharing unusual tastes internationally and promoting employment opportunities. However, I believe that there are more negative aspects to consuming products that are heavily reliant on imports, which trigger the disproportionate distribution of foods and financial burdens both for a country and its citizens.