Agribusiness in crisis: A call to action for political leaders before It’s too late

In a world facing unprecedented population growth, climate change, and economic uncertainty, failing to prioritize agribusiness is a decision that could haunt us all—especially the leaders who have the power to make a difference today.

State governors and political leaders, the reality is grim: if you don’t take immediate, decisive action to support and strengthen agribusiness, the future will be unforgiving.

 The stakes are higher than ever, and the risk of inaction is nothing short of catastrophic.

The global population is set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Yet, food production is not keeping pace with this explosive growth.

The combination of urban sprawl, loss of arable land, water scarcity, and climate volatility is straining the world’s food systems.

Already, we are witnessing the signs of this crisis: rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and a growing divide between those who can afford to eat and those who cannot.

Agribusiness, once the backbone of stable economies and thriving communities, has been neglected. The allure of industrialization and tech-driven economies has shifted focus away from the farms and fields that sustain human life.

But the hard truth is that no amount of technology or infrastructure will matter if people can’t eat.

Leaders must understand that food isn’t just a commodity; it’s a necessity. The failure to prioritize agriculture today means the next generation—your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—will face a reality where food shortages, hunger, and even famine become their daily struggle.

The Deadly Consequences of Inaction

What happens if we continue down this path? The consequences are dire, and they affect every aspect of society.

Escalating Food Prices and Widespread Hunger: As food becomes scarcer due to failing agricultural systems, prices will skyrocket. What is now a manageable cost of living for most will become a luxury.

Families will struggle to afford basic staples, and millions more will be driven into poverty. The food deserts that already plague our inner cities will expand, creating even more stark divides between the haves and the have-nots. This isn’t a future problem—it’s happening right now, and it’s only getting worse.

Social Unrest and Conflict: History has shown that food scarcity is a powerful catalyst for social unrest. Hunger leads to desperation, and desperation breeds conflict. If the leaders of today don’t act swiftly to shore up our food systems, they risk sparking social instability and violent uprisings as people fight for the resources they need to survive. We’ve seen it before, and we will see it again if action is not taken.

Economic Collapse: Agriculture is the foundation of many economies, particularly in developing regions. Neglecting agribusiness not only threatens food security but also jeopardizes millions of jobs and livelihoods. As farms fail, so do rural economies, leading to mass migration, unemployment, and the collapse of local markets. The ripple effect will touch every corner of society, from food suppliers to consumers, shrinking GDPs and triggering recessions.

Generational Damage: If you think today’s neglect of agribusiness won’t affect you, think again. As we age, the next generation will be left to pick up the pieces of a broken system. Picture a world where your grandchildren grow up without the certainty of daily meals. Picture a world where they are forced to make impossible choices—choices that could turn them against the very society that let them down. If you don’t act, their survival may one day depend on cannibalizing the resources you leave behind, whether it be land, wealth, or political legacies.

Leaders Must Act: The Cost of Complacency is Too High

Governors and political leaders, this is a direct appeal to you: if you do not prioritize agribusiness now, you will have blood on your hands—not in the abstract, but in the very real sense of a generation starving because you failed to act when you had the power to do so.

Every day that passes without meaningful investment in agriculture brings us one step closer to a catastrophic future. Agribusiness must be prioritized not just as an economic sector but as a matter of national security and human survival.

The time for speeches and promises is over. Now is the time for action. Here’s what we must do:

Invest in Agribusiness Infrastructure: Develop robust agricultural policies that provide farmers with access to modern equipment, irrigation systems, and sustainable farming techniques. Ensure that farmers have the resources they need to produce food efficiently and sustainably.

Support Innovation in Agriculture: Encourage the integration of technology into farming practices, including precision agriculture, AI-driven farming solutions, and climate-resilient crops. Innovation is key to maximizing yield and minimizing waste.

Make Agribusiness a Pillar of Economic Development: Shift focus from solely urban industrialization to include agriculture as a critical component of economic growth. Create incentives for young entrepreneurs to enter the agribusiness sector, fostering a new generation of farmers who are equipped to feed the future.

Prepare for Climate Change: Strengthen policies that protect agricultural lands and water resources from the effects of climate change. Establish research centers dedicated to finding solutions for crop resilience, soil conservation, and sustainable farming practices.

Educate and Empower the Next Generation: Introduce hands-on agricultural education in basic schools, and ensure that the next generation is prepared to take on the challenges of food production. Encourage youth involvement in agribusiness to create a pipeline of skilled, passionate individuals ready to secure the future of food.

The decisions you make today will shape the world of tomorrow. If you fail to prioritize agribusiness now, you won’t just be failing your constituents—you will be failing your descendants. The reality is stark: in a world where food is scarce, people will do whatever it takes to survive. If that means feeding on the resources of the past—including the wealth and power that today’s leaders take for granted—then so be it.

Your grandchildren won’t just be inheriting your legacy; they’ll be inheriting the consequences of your inaction. And if food becomes scarce, the societal structures we rely on will collapse. History has shown us time and again that when people are hungry, nothing is off the table—not even their leaders.

The Time is Now: Prioritize Agribusiness or Face the Consequences

This is not a distant problem. It’s happening now, and the clock is ticking. The world is changing, and so must we. For the sake of this generation and the next, for the survival of society as we know it, we must act.

Leaders, you have the power to make a difference. Use it wisely, or face the grim reality of a future where food is worth more than money, and survival trumps politics. It’s time to prioritize agribusiness—before it’s too late.