In the European Union, there is more arable land per person than the global average: about 2,500 m². In India, the figure is 1,200 m²; in China, 880 m²; and in Switzerland, as little as about 500 m². By contrast, in the U.S., the figure is 4,760 m², and in Argentina, it’s nearly one hectare per person. [33] Wheat, barley, corn, other grains, and oilseeds are Europe’s most important crops. Most of this is used as animal feed, and an increasing amount is also used for energy and fuel production.
If we compare the arable land imported into the EU (e.g., as soybeans) with that which we export (e.g., as wheat), the result is a foreign trade deficit of about 21 million hectares. This means we import an additional 500 m² of arable land per person from other countries around the world and consume an average of 3,000 m² per person.³⁴ Yet Europe has excellent soil and climatic conditions, as well as optimal technical and financial resources. Why, then, can’t the wealthy EU feed itself? Is it because we can afford it and agricultural products are far too cheap on the world market? A large portion of our arable land imports is not intended for our food.
