There are certain events in human history that are so destructive, that paying a regular cost to prevent them is wise. Famine is one of those calamities. It w

There are certain events in human history that are so destructive, that paying a regular cost to prevent them is wise. Famine is one of those calamities. It will absolutely destroy the entire economy, and get even bring down governments/democracies. Over-production is an absolute conscience choice we make. Do not mistake insurance for waste. Also note that US food surpluses are funnelled into the US Food Aid program which distributes excess production (which we actually used to outright destroy) into preventing famines abroad. This has significant humanitarian, as well as diplomatic value. Because of the intentional overproduction , the US has not had a food shortage for over 100 years, despite occasional crop failures that have occured.