Increasing the Resilience of the Food Systems
In Islamic States in Face of Future Food Crises
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4.2. Desk Case Studies
4.2.1. TheUnited States
Background
The U.S. is highly ranked on food security and has robust food production, access infrastructure,
and safety assurance mechanisms. Robust legislation, broad government involvement, and an
effective relationship between government and the private sector have been key to the strength
of the U.S. food system.
Overview of Robust Food Security in the U.S.
The U.S. serves as a case study for establishing food security. In 2018, it was ranked the third
most food-secure country—after Singapore and Ireland—by the Economist Intelligence Unit
(EIU). Underpinning robust performance is a stable system supported by comprehensive and
effective government policy that ensures food is available, affordable, and capable of meeting
the nutritional needs of households.
Figure 16: U.S. Food Security Performance
Metric Global
rank
Global
score
Score visualization
Availability 10 83.2
Access and
affordability
4 86.8
Quality and
safety
4 85.4
Overall 3 85
Source: EIU Food Security Index
Assessing Food Security Pillars in the U.S.
In terms of availability, the U.S. agricultural industry is highly developed. It encompasses 2.3
billion acres of land, with 1.2 billion acres in agricultural use; its extensive farming industry
contributes 1% of GDP.198 This is supported by robust downstream agro-industry activities and
a positive trade balance, with a surplus of $11 billion over and above imports of $129 billion in
agricultural products in 2018.199
198 USDA. (2019, April 16). Ag and Food Sectors and the Economy.
199 USDA. (2019, April 22). Agricultural Trade.
0,0
50,0
100,0
Availability
Affordability
Utilization
Natural
resources…