As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, David Kohl, a renowned agricultural economist, provides a SWOT analysis of U.S. agriculture.
Kohl sees this exercise as a first step toward a strategic approach for the U.S. to retake its place in the global agricultural market. Despite low commodity prices, domestic unrest and high input costs, Kohl finds reason for U.S. farmers to be optimistic as he examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats on this episode of Ag Marketing IQ In Depth.
Here's how: A continental market approach.
“America was built on entrepreneurship, and agriculture is a cornerstone of that spirit,” Kohl says. “It’s time to think strategically, embrace innovation, and strengthen North American partnerships to secure our future.”
As global competition intensifies and the world shifts toward regional economic blocs, Kohl believes that leaning into the competitive strength of partnerships with Mexico and Canada – or a North America Strong philosophy – is the path to improved profitability for U.S. farmers.
Additional headlines for Kohl’s U.S-agriculture focused SWOT are:
- Strengths. The United States boasts unparalleled natural resources, including 20% of the world’s fresh water (shared with Canada) and the most navigable river systems globally, which facilitate efficient transportation of goods. The nation’s energy independence, robust legal and property rights, and the enduring dominance of the dollar in global trade further solidify its position.
- Weaknesses. Political polarization and declining trust in institutions undermine stability, domestically and globally.
- Opportunities. In addition to a North America Strong approach, emphasizing collaboration with Canada and Mexico to form a powerful economic bloc, opportunities for U.S. agriculture include proactive health initiatives driven by agriculture and technology.
- Threats. Kohl predicts an “AI 9/11,” as the rise of artificial intelligence increases the potential for psychological and technological invasions, replacing traditional warfare. The loss of dollar dominance and de-globalization trends threaten economic stability.
Watch this week’s Ag Marketing IQ In Depth for more of Kohl’s well-respected insights.