FAO Warns of Fertilizer Shortages Impacting Global Food Supply Amid Middle East Crisis
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a warning regarding the potential impact of fertilizer shortages on global food supply, stemming from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. FAO Director General Qu Dongyu highlighted that the scarcity of fertilizers is expected to lead to reduced crop yields and a subsequent squeeze on food supplies, particularly affecting the latter half of 2026 and into 2027. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor, is constraining fertilizer markets and increasing energy prices, which could significantly affect food and agriculture production costs. The FAO emphasized that timely application of fertilizers is crucial for maintaining crop yields, and any delays could have lasting effects on future harvests. Countries heavily reliant on exports, such as those in Africa, Asia, and parts of the Middle East, are particularly vulnerable, especially those already facing food insecurity, economic fragility, or climate-related challenges. 
