For decades, the United States has been a global leader in agriculture. Yet, troubling trends are emerging that put the nation’s food security and independence at risk. As highlighted in a recent interview with Zack Wyatt, Founder, President, and CEO of Carolina Farm Trust, America is growing less of its own food and becoming increasingly reliant on imports. Here, we unpack the challenges, contributing factors, and what Carolina Farm Trust is doing to rebuild resilience in the food system.
Alarming Trends in U.S. Food Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports a significant decline in fruit and vegetable production over the past two decades. Fruit production has dropped by a staggering 36%, and vegetable production has decreased by over 6%. These declines are not just numbers on a chart; they represent a growing vulnerability in our food system.
So, what is driving this shift? Wyatt points to the complex economics of farming. “Fruit and vegetable farming is very difficult,” he explained during an NTD Newsroom segment. “With Hurricane Helene coming in and really kind of wiping out a lot of the western North Carolina… it’s very challenging to rebuild something that was already almost broken.”
Why Are Farmers Leaving Fruits and Vegetables Behind?
Small-scale fruit and vegetable farmers face immense challenges, including:
- Perishability: Produce spoils quickly, requiring costly logistics and labor-intensive handling.
- Market Competition: Foreign imports, often cheaper, undercut local growers.
- Economic Disincentives: Government subsidies favor commodity crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans, which are less labor-intensive and more profitable.
“It feels like the system incentivizes small farmers to go out of business,” Wyatt remarked. As these farmers exit the market, the U.S. becomes more reliant on imported fruits and vegetables—primarily from Mexico. This reliance not only affects our economy but also increases our vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
Historical Policies and Their Impact
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), aimed to streamline trade. However, they also made it harder for U.S. farmers to compete with imported goods. Combined with inflation and rising operational costs, many small-scale producers find it nearly impossible to survive.
Why It Matters: Food Security and Sovereignty
Wyatt articulated a critical point during his interview: “The more reliant we are on importing food, the more we’re reliant on power. If we can’t feed ourselves, what happens next?” This growing reliance on imports jeopardizes America’s ability to independently nourish its population. In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or geopolitical tensions, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Carolina Farm Trust: Building a Resilient Food System
Amidst these challenges, Carolina Farm Trust (CFT) is stepping up to protect the future of American farming. Guided by four pillars, CFT addresses systemic issues head-on:
- Urban Farm Network: Establishing accessible, community-focused farms that bring fresh produce to urban areas.
- Farm Apprentice Program: Training the next generation of farmers to sustain agricultural knowledge and practice.
- Food as Left Program: Partnering with senior nutrition initiatives and transitional housing programs to provide nutritious, locally sourced meals.
- Distribution Platform (CFT Market): Creating a streamlined way for local farms to get their products to market, ensuring fair compensation and reducing food waste.
Each initiative works toward the shared goal of restoring trust in local farming while empowering communities to prioritize nutritious, sustainable food sources.
Local Farms Are Key
Regional farms in the Carolinas are the cornerstone of Carolina Farm Trust’s work. Partner farms like Barbee Farms and Boy and Girl Farm are pivotal in producing fresh, high-quality food. Supporting these farms means more than providing meals; it means safeguarding a vital part of the region’s food independence.
The Power of Community
Carolina Farm Trust relies on the collective efforts of farmers, volunteers, and donors to create a sustainable, community-driven food system. Your contributions directly support initiatives like the CFT Market’s innovative distribution platform, which connects regional farmers with the Charlotte community. This platform not only provides a reliable market for farmers’ products but also strengthens the local food ecosystem by reducing dependence on imported produce. Every dollar donated ensures that fresh, local food reaches underserved communities while empowering farmers to thrive in a resilient, regional network.
The challenges facing American agriculture are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. Carolina Farm Trust’s innovative programs and unwavering commitment to regional farmers are paving the way for a more secure food future. However, none of this is possible without your support.
Join Us in the Fight for Food Security
Your donation today can ensure that farms thrive, communities are nourished, and America retains its ability to grow its own food.
Let’s work together to protect the future of farming—because every meal starts with a farm.
