Final answer:
Developing agricultural systems abroad through land-grant universities aids environmental sustainability, allows for mutual beneficial exchanges of agricultural practices, and promotes international trade and economic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Land-grant universities are working with countries abroad to develop their agricultural systems for several key reasons, which reflect both altruistic and pragmatic considerations. Firstly, there is a need to improve environmental sustainability in agricultural practice globally, as current practices in many countries can harm the environment. Secondly, by developing agricultural systems abroad, there is the potential for mutual benefits through the exchange of knowledge and techniques. Thirdly, such collaborative efforts can open doors for international trade and economic development, increasing global food security and reducing reliance on any single nation's agricultural system.
The agricultural economy not only directly influences what we eat, but also has wider implications for economic stability, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange. Therefore, by investing in the development of agricultural systems in other countries, the United States and its land-grant universities can promote positive change both domestically and internationally.