One of the most important weaknesses in our way of life exposed by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is our centralized and efficiency-obsessed food supply chain. Concerns about employee safety in our nation’s food processing facilities, combined with the shutdown of schools, hotels, and many restaurants, have distorted farmers’ incentives and resulted in shortages at grocery stores and fast-food restaurants. The solution begins with recognizing that our trade policies are contrary to our national interest and that our regulatory regime is contrary to a risk-mitigating, redundant food system.

Miscalculating Risk