IELTS Recent Question: Countries should try to produce all the food for the population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Countries should try to produce all the food for the population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Band score 6

Some people believe that countries should try to grow all the food they need and not import much from other countries. I partly agree with this idea because it has some benefits, but it is also not always practical.

First of all, producing food locally can help a country to become more independent. If a country depends too much on imports, it can face problems if there are political issues or natural disasters. Growing their own food can make sure that people always have something to eat. Also, local food is usually fresher and healthier because it does not have to travel long distances.

However, it is not possible for every country to grow all kinds of food. Some countries have poor soil or bad weather, which makes it hard to grow crops. For example, countries with deserts or very cold climates cannot produce all types of fruits and vegetables. It is better for them to import food from places where it grows easily. Also, trying to grow everything locally can be very expensive and take a lot of resources.

In conclusion, I think it is a good idea for countries to grow as much food as they can, but it is also important to import food that they cannot produce easily. A balance between local production and imports is the best solution.

Band score 7.5

It is often argued that nations should aim to produce all the food required for their population, minimising reliance on imports. While I believe that boosting domestic food production is beneficial for several reasons, I also think that complete self-sufficiency is neither realistic nor always advantageous.

One of the main arguments in favour of local food production is national security. A country that heavily depends on imported food is vulnerable to external disruptions such as political conflicts, trade wars, or global supply chain issues. By cultivating most of their own food, countries can better guarantee food availability during uncertain times. Furthermore, locally produced food tends to be fresher, supports local farmers, and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.

Nevertheless, achieving total food self-sufficiency is extremely challenging, especially for countries with harsh climates, limited arable land, or water shortages. For instance, Middle Eastern nations often cannot grow enough cereals or vegetables due to their desert environments. Insisting on producing every type of food domestically could lead to higher costs, inefficient use of resources, and even environmental damage from trying to force unsuitable crops to grow. Global trade allows countries to specialise in what they can produce efficiently and to access a wider variety of foods at affordable prices.

In conclusion, while promoting local food production is important for sustainability and security, I believe that moderate reliance on imports is both necessary and beneficial. A balanced approach that encourages local farming but embraces sensible trade is the most practical solution.

Why countries should produce all their food………

Points to remember:

Economic Stability

• Reduces dependency on foreign markets and protects the economy from international price fluctuations.

• Saves foreign currency that would otherwise be spent on imports.

Food Security

• Ensures a steady and reliable food supply even during global crises, wars, or pandemics.

• Prevents vulnerability to trade restrictions or political conflicts.

Support for Local Farmers

• Boosts the livelihood of domestic farmers and rural communities.

• Increases employment opportunities in agriculture and related industries.

 

Sustainability and Environment

• Reduces carbon footprint caused by transporting food across countries ("food miles").

• Encourages environmentally friendly, local farming practices.

 

Cultural Preservation

• Protects traditional agricultural practices, local cuisines, and indigenous crop varieties.

• Maintains national identity linked to food habits.

Health Benefits

• Promotes consumption of fresher, seasonal, and less processed foods.

• Reduces reliance on heavily preserved or genetically modified imported foods.

 

Technological and Agricultural Development

• Encourages investment in better farming technologies and research.

• Leads to innovations in sustainable farming suited to the country’s specific conditions.

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