From fertiliser to famine: the global food shortage explained (The Week)

The Week published an article describing how the war on Ukraine has sent food prices rocketing, and the effects are being felt around the world. Ukraine banned exports of wheat and other food last month to secure its own wartime supplies, but at this point, it can’t export.  Russian warships are blocking access to its Black Sea ports; they have also destroyed port infrastructure and grain storage facilities and have bombed at least three civilian ships carrying Ukrainian goods. Even before the war, the fertilizer market was in turmoil because of COVID, high fuel prices (fertilizer production relies heavily on natural gas), and sanctions on Belarus – which, like Russia, is a major exporter of potash, ammonia, urea, and other soil nutrients. Senior research fellow David Laborde said, “Wheat will impact a few countries.” The fertilizer issue can impact every farmer everywhere in the world.”