I no, for a new nation, food is a great way to go because it's in high demand for war times and large nations. Soon I plan to start my coal industry but jot for a bit.
I'm a small nation and I plan to make a lot of my money off selling food. Right now I'm selling as much as I can at the price 200. Most ,if not all, will go to funding a new city and increasing my food income. As I make more, I will sell for less and less. Anyways, the money would help out so go buy it up!