Next question on my list of things I wondered before joining this industry what does the merchant marine and navy have to do with food peace and security around the world?
The connection between maritime commerce and the food on our tables may be obvious to most in this industry, I have a few friends now working for cargill, but most don’t understand the connection so here’s why.
Domestic Food Security: Moving the Harvest
The United States is a powerhouse of food production. With around 900 million acres of farmland, U.S. farmers produce a significant portion of the world’s food supply. This vast agricultural output is not just because of American farming prowess but also to the logistics network that supports it. At the heart of this network is the Merchant Marine, which plays a crucial role in moving bulk agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and other staples across the country.
America’s inland waterways, that the federal govenrment sometimes refers to as the “Green Marine Highways,” are the unsung heroes of this effort. These waterways allow for the efficient and cost-effective transportation of agricultural goods. Barge and vessel traffic on the Mississippi River, for example, moves an enormous amount of grain, fertilizer, and other essentials to domestic and international markets. Without this system, food distribution would become more expensive and less efficient, driving up costs for consumers and potentially leading to shortages.
Sure these commodities could be moved by train or truck but it would take dozens of trains or hundreds of trucks to replace the barges one Mississippi tugboat can push and the fuel usage is many times higher on land
International Food Security: Feeding the World
The impact of the U.S. Merchant Marine extends beyond domestic borders. The United States is not just a major producer of food but also one of the largest exporters. Right now the US exports over $200 billion worth of agricultural products, including grains, meats, and dairy. This abundance is crucial for feeding millions of people worldwide, especially in regions that struggle with food insecurity.
International food aid programs, such as USAID’s Food for Peace, rely heavily on the U.S. Merchant Marine. By law, a lot of the food aid shipments must be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. This not only ensures the safety and reliability of these critical shipments but also supports the U.S. maritime industry, which in turn helps maintain the fleet’s readiness for times of crisis.
But this is at risk because right now the US Merchant Marine only has a couple bulkers so food has to be put aboard other types of less efficient ships like containerships.
Ensuring Safe Passage
The world is a volatile place, and food security can be threatened by conflicts far from U.S. shores. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, helps protect the sea lanes that are essential for global trade. Recent conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have shown how fragile global food supply chains can be. The Black Sea region, a major exporter of wheat and other grains, saw its exports disrupted, impacting food supplies around the world. Ships there are running into mines and the US Navy can’t or won’t enter the black see to protect them because of the Montreux Convention
Attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by groups like the Houthis have threatened food security in the region and beyond. The presence of U.S. naval and NATO navy helps deter such threats, ensuring that food, whether grown in the U.S. or elsewhere, reaches those who need it. Problem is the US doesn’t have enough warships right now to meet all it’s needs and protect the Red Sea and NATO navies have been underfunded so many ships are going around africa instead.
The Need for a Strong Merchant Marine
In an increasingly interconnected world, food security cannot be taken for granted. A strong U.S. Merchant Marine is not just a matter of national pride or economic interest; it is important to global food stability. Without a robust fleet of U.S.-flagged vessels and a well-trained cadre of mariners, the ability of the United States to project its agricultural might, respond to global crises, and ensure the free flow of commerce would be severely compromised.
The Merchant Marine may not always be in the spotlight, but its contributions are indispensable. Ensuring that this vital agriculture industry remains strong is not just about maintaining jobs or supporting the economy—it’s about feeding America and the world.
