As Russia continues to wage war on Ukraine, the United States is bracing for the economic fallout from the conflict — including a strain on agriculture.
Russia and Ukraine supply nearly a third of the world’s wheat exports, according to the Financial Times. Republican Rep. David Schweikert said the U.S. needs to reassess its agricultural policies as grain exports diminish.
“Do we need to have immediately a discussion about corn-based ethanol?,” Schweikert said. “About agricultural set-aside programs? Are we in a moment where we need to be producing as much grain, food as we possibly can?”
The longer the conflict continues, there'll be a greater need for the U.S. to adjust to stave off potential famine in parts of the world, he added.
“This may be a moment where doing the moral thing for the country and the world, it’s also good economics,” Schweikert said.
