Ammonia Shortage Threatens Global Food Supply, Impacting Almonds and Chicken

What's Happening?

The global agricultural sector is facing a significant challenge in 2025 due to an ammonia shortage, which is crucial for nitrogen-based fertilizers. This shortage is expected to reduce global almond yields by up to 30% and could lead to a 15% drop in chicken meat production. The shortage is driven by factors such as energy price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand from agriculture and biofuels. Technological innovations and policy measures are being explored to address these challenges and ensure food security.

Why It's Important?

The ammonia shortage has far-reaching implications for global food security, affecting crop yields, food prices, and agricultural productivity. As a key component of fertilizers, ammonia is essential for the growth of staple crops, and its scarcity could lead to significant food shortages and price inflation. The situation highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices and technological solutions to mitigate the impact of such shortages. It also underscores the importance of coordinated policy responses to ensure a stable and resilient food supply chain.

What's Next?

Efforts to address the ammonia shortage include exploring green ammonia production, precision agriculture, and blockchain-based traceability to enhance supply chain transparency. Policymakers are urged to support infrastructure investments and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable fertilizer production. The agricultural sector may need to adapt by diversifying crops and optimizing resource use to reduce dependency on high-nitrogen inputs. These measures will be crucial in building resilience against future supply chain disruptions and ensuring long-term food security.