Many Americans are unaware about the impending global agricultural war between the United States and Asian markets that will likely put many U.S. farmers out of business and send food commodities prices spiraling down as early as 2017.

I recently started an agricultural analysis for the nonprofit organization New Market Labs. In my research I noticed a disturbing trend that has substantial ramifications for our food prices, U.S. farmers and the U.S. economy as a whole.

 China is buying land throughout Africa and investing heavily in production and manufacturing of emerging markets. The Chinese government is also training locals on how to grow food crops that they are currently buying from U.S. farmers. When these farms in Africa are completed, they will create new market competition for U.S. farmers who currently rely heavily on China for agricultural profits.

What exactly is this war being fought over? Soybeans and China’s demand for more.