[JasonC]

We are giant net food exporters. We benefit from higher food prices worldwide, as much as Arab countries benefit from higher oil prices. They aren't nearly high enough yet. When the Saudis are inventing new ways to raise sheep in the desert, with more breathless concern than we expend on oil substitutes, they will be within spitting distance. Right now they have to rise oh, another 10 fold I'd say, just to make things remotely even.

[muawiyah]

We are a net exporter of food on a calorie basis, not dollar basis. In fact, couple of years ago our imports of food began exceeding our exports. (This involved a shift to importing high labor cost processed food products).

Now that the price of wheat and other basic commodities is skyrocketing, we will probably regain our status as a net exporter (in terms of dollars).