• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN warns that the war in Ukraine could trigger an increase of at least 20% in food prices.
As a result of the war in Ukraine, international prices for food and fertilizers could increase by up to 20%, a fact reported by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), cited by the agency Reuters.
The prolongation of the armed conflict in Ukraine brings uncertainty about obtaining crops this year. Added to this, according to FAO, are the uncertainties regarding Russian exports. Russia is the largest exporter of wheat, while Ukraine ranks fifth in the world. Cumulatively, the two countries account for 19% of global barley production, 14% of global wheat production and 4% of global corn production, accounting for more than a third of global grain exports. Added to all this is the fact that Russia is the world leader in the export of fertilizers.
Food security at risk
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu states that: "Probable disruptions to agricultural activities in these two major exporters could greatly escalate global food insecurity."
In February 2022, the FAO Food Price Index reached a peak and is expected to increase further in the coming months as the conflict in Ukraine affects the world globally.
The Food and Agriculture Organization warns that only part of the decline in exports from Russia and Ukraine will be able to be covered by exports from other countries.
FAO also predicts that between 20% and 30% of the fields used for the cultivation of winter cereals, corn and sunflower, will no longer be able to be planted or harvested in the 2022 / 2023 season, due to the created situation.
Food price increase
"Worryingly, the result will be an increase in food prices between 8% and 22% above their already high level," the FAO said.
With 50 countries, some of them less developed, depending on Russia and Ukraine for 30% or more of their wheat reserves, the Russia-Ukraine war further accentuates their vulnerability.
Thus, by 2023, the number of malnourished people could increase by another 8-13 million.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă.
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