The World Cup of Farming
Modern Farmer takes a look at farming in some of the countries hoping to bring home the golden trophy.
Another thing you can find all over the world? Agriculture. In some countries, both are a big, big deal; others enjoy large stature in the world of agriculture but are soccer outsiders. Ok, so there’s not a strong correlation between the two. But indulge us, if you will, in imagining what a World Cup of Farming would look like. Here, Modern Farmer takes a look at farming in some of the countries hoping to bring home the golden trophy, along with ag and soccer rankings on a scale from one (abysmal) to 10 (sublime) ”“ contrived, yes, but fun!
Brazil
Brazil has won the World Cup a record five times and will enjoy home-field advantage. In the past year, they’ve gone 15-1, scoring 47 goals while giving up just 6. It’s no surprise, then, that best odds are on them to win a sixth World Cup title. On Thursday, they took their first steps toward that goal, beating Croatia 3-1 in the tournament opener.
Soccer ranking: 9.5
The country is also an agricultural giant. Last year, Brazil harvested 3.2 million metric tons of coffee (that’s more than 7 billion pounds), making it, by an enormous margin, the world’s top producer. It’s also the world’s far-and-away largest producer of sugar (40.4 million metric tons or 89 billion pounds), and is projected to overtake the U.S. this year as the world’s leading soybean producer, at 90 million metric tons. Its beef and chicken exports are the highest in the world (from a production standpoint, it ranks second and third in these categories). Brazil also ranks in the Top 10 for production of numerous other crops, including cassava, cotton, bananas and cocoa. In 2011, it exported just under $80 billion worth of agricultural products. In the World Cup of Farming, Brazil’s a favorite once again.
Farm ranking: 9
The Netherlands
The Dutch have lost in the World Cup final three times, and are often considered the greatest team yet to win it. After an impressive qualifying run and a stunning 5-1 victory over Spain in their first match, their fans are hoping that the fourth time’s the charm.
Soccer ranking: 7.5
With a population of less than 17 million, the Netherlands punches well above its weight class in farming. It is the world’s second-leading exporter of agricultural products, valued at more than $88 billion in 2011. Leading the way, at $11.6 billion, are non-food products including flowers. Cigarettes, cheese and prepared foods are other major export items. Significant crops include potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, onions and vegetables. The Netherlands is also a major producer of milk. The Dutch have moved the ocean to make room for their farm fields. The World Cup of Farming is not out of reach.
Farm ranking: 8
Spain
The defending World Cup champion, Spain also has won two consecutive European championships. Undefeated in qualifying for this World Cup, they were among the favorites again this summer ”“ but lost badly in their first game.
Soccer ranking: 9
Spain is a major producer and exporter of farm products. It is easily the world’s biggest exporter of olive oil ”“ 846,000 metric tons in 2011 ”“ and a close second, to Italy, in wine exports, with 2.3 million metric tons. It ranks second in global almond production, checking in with 215,000 metric tons in 2012 (in-shell weight). Fruits and vegetables are another strong point. Spanish farm turn out significant quantities of oranges (2.9 million metric tons in 2012), tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, chilies and peppers. Pork is its biggest livestock commodity: Spain’s 3.5 million metric tons produced in 2012 ranked fourth in the world. Total agricultural exports in 2011 were just over $40 billion. The fashionable gutsy pick to win the World Cup of Farming.
Farm ranking: 7
Portugal
Portugal is a perennial dark-horse pick to make it deep into the tournament. It has reached the semi-finals twice, most recently in 2006, and its star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, is the most recent winner of the Ballon d’Or, soccer’s top individual honor. The tournament started disastrously for Portugal, however: injuries, a red card and a 4-0 loss to Germany.
Soccer ranking: 7
If there were a World Cup of Cork-Making, Portugal would win handily ”“ it produces about 60 percent of the world’s supply. By dollar value, its top three exports are staples of the fast life: wine ($907.5 million in 2011), cigarettes ($425.9 million) and beer ($288.0 million). Portugal ranks 10th in world production of both olives and kiwis, third in production of carobs ”“ used as a chocolate substitute ”“ and is a middling producer of tomatoes, grapes and oranges. Winning the World Cup of farming will take more than corks, cigarettes and carobs, though.
Farm ranking: 4
United States
While the United States is no longer a soccer lightweight, objective fans won’t consider the team a true contender for World Cup victory. This summer, the USA faces a difficult group schedule and a terrible travel itinerary ”“ it must travel nearly 9,000 miles back and forth across Brazil during its first three matches. The outlook isn’t brilliant. But its opening 2-1 win over Ghana on Monday night was.
Soccer ranking: 5
The United States may well ride its amber waves of grain to victory in the World Cup of Farming. In 2012, American farmers sold $395 billion worth of agricultural products. The United States is by far the world’s largest producer of corn. Its estimated 2013 production of 353 million metric tons represents more than one-third of the world’s total. Milk is another American specialty: 91.4 million metric tons in 2013 was nearly one-fifth of total world production. American farmers are also number one in beef, chicken and turkey production, and rank second or third in soybeans, pork, wheat, apples, eggs, lettuce, cotton, tomatoes and oranges. Total agricultural exports were estimated at around $140 billion in 2013, also by far the largest in the world.
Farm ranking: 10
Australia
In three previous World Cups, Australia has managed just one win. In group play this year, the team will face defending champions Spain as well as runners-up, the Netherlands. The “Socceroos,” as they’re known, have a tough row to hoe. Losing their first match doesn’t make things any easier.
Soccer ranking: 4
The agricultural prognosis is better, though, for the world’s leading wool exporter, valued at $2.7 billion in 2011, and its second-leading producer of mutton ”“ 556,375 metric tons in 2012. Australia is also the world’s third-leading exporter of beef, and a major producer of almonds, barley, wheat, oats, cotton and wine. An over-reliance on its sheep sector is a concern as the World Cup of Farming approaches.
Farm ranking: 6.5
Cameroon
The Cinderella of the 1990 World Cup, Cameroon became the first African country to advance to the quarterfinal round. Since then, it’s racked up a forgettable World Cup record of 1 win, 7 losses and 4 ties. Drawn into a group with Brazil, Cameroon faces long odds yet again ”“ not helped by a loss in its opening match against Mexico.
Soccer ranking: 3
From a labor perspective, agriculture is huge in Cameroon, employing at least half of its workforce. It also contributes $5.2 billion to the country’s GDP, about 20 percent of the total. From a pure numbers standpoint, though, Cameroonian agriculture is fairly small potatoes. It is the world’s fifth-largest producer of cocoa, of which it exported more than $500 million in 2011. Other major exports are cotton, rubber, bananas and coffee. The 3.5 million metric tons of plantains it grew in 2012, entirely for domestic consumption, ranked third worldwide. Other major domestic crops include cassava, oil palm, corn and taro. Cocoa and cassava are great, but they won’t win you the World Cup of Farming.
Farm ranking: 2
Honduras
It’s not a good sign when your country’s name is used as a synonym for a weak team. From a column in Slate after groups were drawn for this World Cup: “If you look around your group and you don’t see a Honduras, then you’re the Honduras.” Maybe this will be the year Honduras wins its first World Cup match ever. And after a 3-0 loss to open the tournament, maybe not.
Soccer ranking: 2
On the agricultural front, the country’s biggest statistical achievement would be cracking the Top 10 in global coffee production ”“ 300,000 metric tons in 2012, good enough for seventh place. In 2011, coffee exports amounted to $1.4 billion, more than half the country’s total of $2.5 billion for all agricultural products. Bananas, palm oil, cigars and melons are other major exports. Can you imagine a world without coffee? Honduras’s efforts in this area earn it some fan-favorite points in the World Cup of Farming.
Farm ranking: 4
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