UAC and the Press

War and climate change are rapidly exposing the weaknesses of the global food supply chain and raising the risk of mass hunger in the near future.

The current war in the Middle East has introduced a host of new risks, disrupting the flow of oil and fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz -- a critical artery for the global agri-food supply.

According to World Bank data, by the end of March, the grain price index climbed 7% compared to December -- wheat rose 13%, corn 4%, and rice 5%. Currently, corn and wheat prices stand 20% and 7% higher, respectively, than in January 2020.

According to UN World Food Programme projections, the Iran conflict could plunge an additional 45 million people into severe hunger by mid-2026.