Dockworker Strike Highlights Importance of Food Independence

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the impact of the East Coast dockworker strike.

“America is bracing for the impact of the massive dockworker strike that threatens to paralyze traffic of goods in and out of the United States. Our nation relies on international trade for everything from electronics to machinery.

“Families also count on the import of food like bananas, coffee and specialty items, including chocolates and European beer. While there is a risk of shortages of some items, the United States is fortunate that it can meet its nutritional needs without importing food. America’s farmers grow a diverse range of food items that ensure the nation’s food independence. Rest assured, America’s food supply is strong, and store shelves will continue to be stocked with domestically raised products.

“That’s not to say rural America won’t feel the affects of a dockworker strike. Farmers and ranchers rely on international partners to sell billions of dollars of home-grown food to markets around the world. A disruption at the ports could leave perishable food rotting at the docks, which threatens the livelihood of farmers.

“It’s important that farmers can continue to meet the needs of America’s families. They do that with help from the farm bill. Ironically, the farm bill extension expired at the same time the dockworkers strike began. Farmers and ranchers are focused on growing the food, fiber and fuel families depend on, but they’re working under a cloud of uncertainty as several safety net programs designed to help them survive tough times begin to sunset.

“We urge both sides of the dockworker disagreement to work on a solution that will return vital ports to normal operations. We also urge Congress to recognize the importance of America’s food independence and pass a new, five-year farm bill to ensure a stable food supply for America’s families.”

Read a Market Intel on the impact of the dockworker strike here.