Agricultural Tradition in the United States

The Fourth of July celebration in the United States commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. Today, Independence Day celebration on the Fourth of July is a major federal holiday every year and is observed by many throughout the world. This occasion is traditionally celebrated with cookouts, barbecues, sporting events, parades, fairs, family gatherings, and fireworks. Furthermore, amongst the most traditional foods consumed during the Fourth of July holiday are hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, potatoes, beer, lemonade, ice cream, and pies. One of the key images from the history of the United States that is highlighted during this occasion is the country’s tradition of fieldwork and agricultural labor.

Agricultural Tradition in the United States

Ever since declaring itself an independent country in 1776, the United States has multiplied its territory, mainly by advancing westward. It has become the world’s leading economy; it has created a massive domestic free market; and it has developed a robust agricultural industry. Since the time of the thirteen colonies until today’s fifty states, the United States has been an agricultural powerhouse. First as producers of tobacco and cotton, then sugar cane and cattle, and more recently producers of soybeans, corn, and cereals throughout the Midwest.

In terms of agricultural production and trade, the United States’ largest agricultural exports in 2015 were fruit and vegetable products, such as soybeans and wheat, which represented US$63.3 billion or 4.6% of all international sales. After vegetable products, the second largest agricultural export from the United States during 2015 were foodstuffs representing US$45.6 billion or 3.3%, including soybean meal and starch residue. Lastly, the third largest US export of agricultural origin in 2015 were paper goods issued from timber and forestry, such as woodpulp and uncoated kraft paper, totaling US$30.4 billion or 2.2%. On the other hand, the largest agricultural imports into the United States are foodstuffs, such as hard liquor and wine, whose total accounts for US$58 billion or 2.7% of all international products coming into the country. Similarly, the second largest agricultural import into the United States during 2015 were fruit and vegetable products, such as coffee and bananas, representing US$41.4 billion or 1.9%.

Nowadays, in spite of growing agricultural industries worldwide, the United States remains a global leader within food production, trade, and consumption. Likewise, the country remains a leading force when it comes to fair agricultural trade. For instance, Fair Trade USA is one of the leading certifiers of fair trade products in North America, which certifies that products are grown and cultivated observing minimum standards for the plants, the environment, the soil, and the farmers who manage them. In 2014, Fair Trade USA introduced its Fair Trade Certified label for coconut products given the incredible growth that these goods have seen in North America and the necessity to ensure responsible sourcing when they come from South Asia and Latin America.

(Read more about the twentieth anniversary of the transfer of Hong Kong)