FAO Director-General Highlights Impact of Strait of Hormuz Crisis on Global Agrifood Systems
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, addressed the significant impact of the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region on global agrifood systems during the 180th Session of the FAO Council. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route, has led to a dramatic reduction in tanker traffic, affecting the global supply of oil, liquefied natural gas, and fertilizers. This disruption has caused a sharp increase in fertilizer prices, with Middle Eastern granular urea prices rising by 20% in a week, and further increases observed in the United States and Brazil. The crisis has also impacted food imports, energy prices, and farmer margins, with potential long-term effects on agricultural productivity and food security. 
