U.S. Food Diversity and Affordability

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U.S. Food Diversity and Affordability

• Dependence on Imported Produce: The U.S. heavily relies on imports for a variety of fresh produce. For instance, more than 90% of avocados consumed in the U.S. are imported from Mexico. Implementing tariffs on such imports would significantly increase prices for consumers, making items like avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, and bell peppers more expensive and less accessible.

• Challenges in Domestic Production: Boosting domestic agriculture to replace imports faces several obstacles. The U.S. lacks the necessary climate and infrastructure to grow certain crops year-round. Additionally, labor shortages and the need for specialized farming knowledge further complicate efforts to expand domestic production to meet current demand levels.