Global food needs are rising as the Ukraine war continues. When it comes to making big decisions on global food security, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is calibrating the importance of production and profit. “We know in the best case scenario, based on satellite technology, a relatively small percentage of traditional planting is taking place in Ukraine.” The world is concerned if there will be enough food to satisfy the needs of developing countries in Africa or the Middle East. “How do you make sure American agriculture responds in a way that we have traditionally?” Vilsack says it’s a tricky balancing act: anything could tip it. “I think we’re navigating it ok. With the Conservation Reserve Program we basically trusted farmers to make their own decision. Now, we’re basically saying if you have the opportunity to double-crop, we understand and appreciate there are risks associated with that. How can we help mitigate that risk? That’s why we had additional resources to minimize the risk of double-cropping.”
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