Which policy best promotes local resilience in the context of globalization?

• A. Supporting local agriculture, nutrition programs, and food safety standards
• B. Providing subsidies to large agribusiness only
• C. Removing all agricultural subsidies
• D. Prohibiting local farmers from selling in markets

Answer: (A)

The question tests how to strengthen the ability of a local food system to withstand and adapt to globalization’s shocks. Local resilience means communities can still feed themselves and maintain livelihoods when external markets falter—through diverse local production, dependable access to food, and safe, nutritious options.

Supporting local agriculture, nutrition programs, and food safety standards best promotes this resilience because it directly builds local capacity. By backing local farmers, communities keep food production close to home, which reduces dependence on distant suppliers and shortens supply chains. Nutrition programs ensure vulnerable populations have reliable access to healthy food, strengthening social safety nets. Food safety standards build trust in locally produced goods, so people continue to buy and rely on local foods even during external market disruptions. Together, these policies create a stronger, more self-sufficient local system that can better absorb and adapt to global pressures.

In contrast, subsidizing only large agribusiness can centralize control and raise risks if a few big players face trouble, potentially weakening local diversification and autonomy. Removing all subsidies removes a buffer that helps small farmers stay viable, which can undermine local production. Prohibiting local farmers from selling in markets shuts down the primary channel for local food distribution and incomes, directly weakening local resilience.