rapid economic development, such as took place in Western Europe
and Japan following the end of World War II. By a good base I mean
a sound educational system; availability of capital; cadres of skilled
planners and technicians; an industry that can provide tools of all
kinds; adequate transportation. The underdeveloped countries lack
such a base.
Until development becomes more than a pious hope, we shall
need a full kit of “export” programs—that is, if we want to export.
These programs do have, I admit, a temporary, emergency quality.
But, again, I come back to my analogy of the bucket brigade. Until
the hook-and-ladder company is organized, the bucket brigade must
stay on the job.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FOREIGN DEMAND
I would like to call to your attention several popular misconcep-
tions about foreign demand for our food and fiber.
We can export all our surpluses (Misconception No. 1 ). The
productive power of American farms—heightened by mechanical,
chemical, and biological advances—has far outstripped our domestic
capacity to consume. For some years to come, if good weather holds
and production controls remain what they are today, American farmers
are likely to produce more food and fiber than can be moved satis-
factorily through either domestic or export markets.
The export market is not a bottomless pit by any means. Agricul-
tural production outside of the United States was at a record level last
year. Part of that big output traces to good weather, but it also reflects
the desire of most countries to be self-sufficient agriculturally. Even
in the underdeveloped countries, agriculture is the leading occupation
of the people, who tend to resist the competition of heavy imports.
And throughout the world there still are exchange problems—and
trade barriers. We can improve the situation somewhat and we are
working at this task.
Millions of people in the world are starving. (Miscon-
ception No. 2). This expression conveys a highly exaggerated picture
of the current situation. Although Asia and other areas have some-
times had isolated pockets of famine, in recent years no widespread
starvation has been reported anywhere in the world. What does exist
on a big scale, especially in underdeveloped areas, is “under nutrition.”
In other words, diets, though substantially above the starvation level,
need upgrading. If diets can be improved, the world’s people will
benefit immeasurably—and U. S. surpluses can shrink accordingly. We
are also working at this task.
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