The World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) announced on April 21 that escalating conflict in the Middle East is disrupting oil, gas, and fertiliser markets, posing serious risks to agricultural production and global food security.
The WFO said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are already leading to lower availability and higher costs for essential inputs like fuel and fertilisers. These increased expenses, along with rising shipping and logistics costs, are making it difficult for farmers to plan their production and manage investments at a critical point in the agricultural cycle.
According to the WFO, "Rising costs of fuel, fertilisers, and global transportation and logistics, combined with limited price visibility and uncertainty in input markets, are constraining farmers’ ability to plan, invest, and produce under predictable conditions." The organisation added that "uncertainty around the availability and price of fertilisers and energy is already influencing decisions on input use, crop management, and investment," which could impact yields in future seasons. Fertiliser prices have risen sharply since the start of the crisis while crop prices remain largely stable—a situation squeezing farm margins.
WFO President Arnold Puech d’Alissac said: “Farmers are already being forced to adjust how they produce in response to rising energy and fertiliser costs and growing uncertainty. When inputs become unpredictable, production is at risk — and so is global food security.”
The WFO called for urgent action from governments worldwide. Priorities include ensuring access to affordable fertilisers and energy; strengthening market transparency; providing targeted financial support for farmers facing higher costs; coordinating crisis responses with farmer organisations; building long-term resilience through sustainable solutions; supporting domestic production capacities; integrating renewable energy into agriculture; maintaining open trade flows.
Meanwhile in the United States, organisations such as National Farmers Union work toward enhancing community resilience by supporting initiatives that improve quality of life in rural regions according to its official website. The National Farmers Union represents more than 220,000 family farmers across its state divisions according to its official website, advocating through education efforts designed to strengthen rural communities according to its official website. Its democratic grassroots structure means policies originate locally before becoming national priorities according to its official website, extending influence nationwide through various regional divisions according to its official website. The union has also influenced national organic standards promoting sustainable farming methods according to its official website.
Looking ahead, WFO stressed that stability for farmers is essential: “Global food security depends on farmers’ ability to continue producing under stable conditions,” warning that any instability poses immediate risks not only for producers but also consumers worldwide.
