Mississippi State University along with Arizona State are leading a national discussion on “Agriculture as a Tool for Diplomacy.”
The Conference brought together private industries, academia, and government agencies in Washington, D.C.. The goal was to discuss how agriculture impacts national security. It centered around U.S. competitive statecraft, which involves engagement with countries where primary policy revolves around feeding people and agricultural production.
“As the U.S. tries to engage with other countries, we find out that agriculture is almost always a very important issue to that country, whether it’s feeding their own people or or trying to expand their agricultural footprint, so we have this conversation,” said Keith Coble.
“I worry about geopolitical tensions where people draw food into the discussion, when I think, you know, we talk about it builds relationships, it cools relationships, when you are a good supplier. We pride ourselves in the U.S. on being a good supplier. The farmers in the United States like to be seen as reliable partners and feeding the world. Chinese president, Xi recently said, “Hey, the Chinese need to hold the rice bowl in their own hands.” I would say they they can’t possibly feed themselves, but it shows you the level of concern they have about relying on others to supply them with food,” said Seth Meyer.
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi also spoke at the event, where he commended the Universities for working with multiple groups to discuss ways to use agriculture as an instrument of peace.
