Some people believe that countries should make an effort to produce food domestically and minimize their reliance on food imports. While this proposal is indeed beneficial, I would argue that it is not a feasible option in many parts of the world.
On the one hand, countries can ensure national food security by encouraging local food production. Specifically, a stable domestic food supply can lessen the dependence on food supplies from other nations during global disruptions such as pandemics or trade conflicts. For instance, with the development in the agricultural sector, the Vietnamese government could stabilize the food market, thus securing the population’s access to affordable food and enhancing the nation’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, domestic production can bring benefits to food quality. Transporting meat and vegetables internationally often requires preservatives to keep them fresh, which may cause some health issues to consumers, such as allergies or asthma. In contrast, domestic food production can help reduce the use of such substances, allowing more people to get access to fresh and nutritious food within the country.
On the other hand, imposing limitations on food imports may not be a viable option for every country. Indeed, geographic and climatic conditions in many regions are simply not suitable for agricultural practices. This is evidenced by Japan, whose infertile soil and hostile climate make it virtually impossible for this country to produce enough food to feed its population. Moreover, setting quotas on food imports can worsen international economic relationships. In the era of global integration, countries strengthen their bonds through cooperation across various sectors, including trade. Therefore, restrictions on food imports can create trade conflicts. In response, affected nations may implement retaliatory trade measures such as embargoes or higher tariffs, which could result in economic decline.
In conclusion, while producing food can guarantee national food security as well as food quality, I believe that this measure is not feasible for all nations, and it can harm international economic relationships.