FAO warns of global food crisis as fertiliser supply falls

A senior economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that disruptions to global fertiliser supplies could trigger a major food crisis in the coming months.

The warning comes as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely restricted shipments of fertiliser, creating shortages and driving up prices worldwide.

Maximo Torero, chief economist of the FAO, said the situation is becoming increasingly serious as it coincides with critical planting seasons in parts of Asia.

“We are competing with crop calendars,” he said, noting that in some countries, key planting windows have already passed, limiting farmers’ ability to respond to the shortage.

Analysts warn that reduced access to fertiliser could cut crop yields by up to 30 percent, which would likely push food prices higher and increase pressure on global markets.

Torero said major agricultural producers such as the United States and Brazil may shift towards crops like soybeans that naturally restore nitrogen in the soil, instead of fertiliser-intensive crops such as wheat and maize.

At the same time, rising crude oil prices could encourage some farmers to divert production towards biofuels, further tightening food supply.

Prices for key commodities, including wheat and soybeans, have already begun to rise, with further increases expected in the months ahead.

“This will develop over the second half of the year, and we expect commodity prices to rise significantly next year,” Torero said, warning of higher food inflation driven by both supply shortages and rising energy costs.

He cautioned that the crisis is still unfolding and could worsen if disruptions continue.

“As time passes, the situation becomes more serious,” he said, stressing the need for urgent attention to stabilise global food supply chains.