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The Reality of an 'America First' Food System: Is It Feasible?

For decades, the United States has enjoyed an abundant and diverse food supply, with grocery stores stocked year-round with fresh fruits, vegetables, and processed foods sourced from all over the world. But what if that were to change? Imagine a food system where only domestically grown products were available—an "America First" diet. While the idea of national food self-sufficiency might sound appealing in theory, the reality presents significant challenges.

The Price of Isolation: Higher Costs for Everyday Foods

One of the biggest consequences of a fully domestic food system would be price increases across a wide range of products. Currently, the U.S. imports vast amounts of fresh produce from Mexico and Canada, including avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers. If tariffs were imposed or imports were restricted, these items would become significantly more expensive—if they were available at all. Avocados, for instance, are overwhelmingly sourced from Mexico. With limited domestic production, consumers could see prices triple or more, making simple pleasures like guacamole a luxury.

But it’s not just about avocados. Without access to international supply chains, the cost of processed foods would also rise. Many packaged products rely on imported ingredients such as canola oil from Canada, which is a crucial component in many processed foods. Without these imports, production costs would increase, and grocery prices would follow suit.

Can the U.S. Feed Itself?

In terms of sheer calorie production, the U.S. does have the capacity to feed its population. American farms produce ample grains, meats, and sweeteners—more than enough to sustain the country. However, food is more than just calories. A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, areas where U.S. production falls short.

To transition to an entirely self-sufficient food system, major changes would be necessary. More land would need to be converted to fruit and vegetable farming, and the agricultural workforce would need to expand. However, many of these crops require intensive manual labor, and the current labor shortage in agriculture makes this an uphill battle. Additionally, the infrastructure needed to support such a shift—such as processing plants, distribution networks, and seasonal labor—would require massive investments.

A Less Diverse, Less Nutritious Diet

If Americans were forced to rely solely on domestically grown food, the variety of available options would shrink drastically. Say goodbye to tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts. Specialty produce such as Meyer lemons and Sumo Citrus would become rare, as farmers would likely focus on staple crops with higher yields and profitability. The overall nutritional quality of the American diet could suffer, as access to fresh fruits and vegetables would become more limited.

Moreover, a shift toward domestic-only food production might reinforce an already concerning trend: the dominance of processed foods. Without sufficient fresh produce, diets could become even more reliant on grains, meats, and sweeteners—items the U.S. already overproduces. This could have long-term health implications, making it even harder to promote a nutritious diet.

The Global Interdependence of Food

The American diet has evolved thanks to global trade, and much of what we now consider staples rely on international partnerships. Even the most iconic American meal—a burger and fries—depends on ingredients sourced from multiple countries. Sesame seeds for burger buns often come from Mexico, while the cooking oils used for French fries are frequently imported.

An "America First" food system might sound like a way to promote national strength and independence, but in reality, it would lead to higher costs, reduced variety, and a potential decline in overall nutrition. Rather than striving for complete food isolation, a balanced approach—one that strengthens domestic agriculture while maintaining strategic trade relationships—would better serve both consumers and farmers. After all, the ability to enjoy fresh produce year-round and access a diverse diet is one of the greatest benefits of a connected world.