Many today are increasing of the opinion that countries should be self-sufficient in their food production and import as little as possible. Though I grant this is unrealistic in certain countries, the economic implications are convincing. In most countries, imported foods are simply a luxury but this belies those nations where imports ensure survival. Some of these countries include populous Southeast Asian nations, and numerous Middle Eastern and African countries. The reasons range from poorly developed infrastructure, little arable soil, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Many Asian countries, in particular , import and stockpile basic foods such as rice for potential catastrophes. As agricultural technology develops and allows for crops that require less water, their desperation will lessen but it would be inhumane today to starve citizens in these countries. The above-mentioned scenarios are exceptions; the majority of countries would be better s...