Fresh produce is more frequently being exported by air to countries where it is out of season or impossible to grow. The advantages of this are that consumers can enjoy a wider range of fresh fruit and vegetables all year, and some countries rely on imported food to feed their people. However, the disadvantages are that it puts tremendous strain on the environment and encourages harmful farming methods.
One benefit of importing fruit and vegetables is the wide range of products that can be found throughout the year. Some countries are only able to produce certain crops during specific seasons, so, without imports, they wouldn’t be able to consume these foods year-round. Moreover, imported produce is vital for survival in some countries. This is because their harsh environment prevents sufficient food from being grown. Qatar, for instance, is mostly desert and relies largely on imported produce.
On the other hand, a drawback is the pollution caused by airplanes. Each time food is exported, a huge amount of fuel is burned, resulting in carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. This is compounded by the fact that exporting food often results in farming practices that damage the environment. The extra demand of overseas markets requires domestic producers to increase their food production, which often means using dangerous pesticides and herbicides. In Spain, for example, it is common for farmers to use glyphosate herbicides, and many waterways are contaminated with these hazardous chemicals.
In conclusion, while the benefits of exporting produce overseas are that it allows people to eat a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year, and it is essential for people in some countries to survive, the drawbacks are the costs to the environment and changes to farming methods.