All articles tagged with #food security
The U.S.-led conflict with Iran is disrupting global fertilizer shipments via bottlenecks at the Strait of Hormuz, rising natural gas prices, and plant slowdowns in several countries, pushing up fertilizer costs and threatening food security worldwide.
Strait of Hormuz disruptions tied to the Iran conflict have pushed fertilizer prices higher, especially nitrogen-based urea (Egypt FOB around $700/ton vs $400–$490 earlier). About 30% of global urea trade may be affected, threatening crop yields and raising food-security concerns, with impacts expected to hit emerging markets hardest even as buffer stocks and export controls add complexity.
Climate warming is expected to shift the global distribution of Aspergillus fungi, with models showing European ranges expanding and millions more people at risk of lung infections and crop losses; rising azole resistance compounds the threat, creating links between hospitals, agriculture, and food security. The authors urge coordinated monitoring across air, farms, and healthcare settings and smarter fungicide policies, along with emissions cuts, to slow the spread.
War risks in the Gulf and ongoing grain-disruption from Russia-Ukraine threaten fertilizer availability and push up input and grocery costs, prompting warnings from the American Farm Bureau and complicating the political debate ahead of the midterm elections.
Desert locust swarms can reach up to 40 miles across and consist of billions of insects; their eggs can lie dormant for decades before hatching, after which swarms merge into massive plagues that quickly strip fields and threaten food security, as seen in historic outbreaks across Africa.
A five‑story briefing covers: an NPR profile of Micky Small whose long ChatGPT sessions spawned a troubling “spiral time” belief; reports that the Trump administration moved all pregnant unaccompanied minors to a single Texas shelter amid abortion‑access concerns; LAist’s feature on Food Forward’s gleaning program that rescues produce to feed LA residents; Grist studies linking intensive wildfire‑smoke exposure during pregnancy to higher autism risk; and Masumoto Family Farm’s Adopt‑a‑Tree program inviting volunteers to harvest heirloom peaches.
Bruce Friedrich, vegan for decades and head of the Good Food Institute, argues that ending industrial livestock requires replacing meat with price- and taste-parity alternatives—cultivated and plant-based proteins—backed by government support and corporate investment. He envisions a transition where traditional meat is largely replaced by these products by mid-century, delivering climate, health, and efficiency benefits, while acknowledging hurdles like consumer perception, regulatory challenges, and pushback from livestock interests.
French farmers drive about 350 tractors through Paris to protest the EU-Mercosur trade deal ahead of its signing, demanding income support and food sovereignty as authorities prepare additional aid while protests persist and ports conduct product-origin checks.
Kroger has launched the Verified Savings Program offering 20% discounts on fruits and vegetables for eligible customers receiving government assistance, with additional benefits like half-off Boost memberships, aiming to improve food access and security. The program is valid through January 31, 2026.
Russia launched drone attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea ports, hitting civilian ships and infrastructure, raising concerns over global food security, while Ukraine and its allies prepare for diplomatic talks to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, Russia faces Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea port of Tuapse, and international sanctions issues continue involving Russian figures.
The climate crisis is intensifying crop pests, threatening global food security by increasing damage to key crops like wheat, rice, and maize, with potential losses rising significantly as temperatures rise. Experts emphasize the need for diversified and resilient agricultural systems, restoring natural habitats, and leveraging technology like AI to mitigate these impacts.
A study finds that increased atmospheric CO2 makes food more caloric but less nutritious and potentially more toxic, with significant drops in essential nutrients like zinc and iron, raising concerns about future food quality and health impacts.
Scientists have developed a new sustainable protein source by growing edible fungi on carrot processing leftovers, which was preferred in taste tests over traditional plant-based proteins in vegan burgers and sausages, offering a promising solution for food security and environmental sustainability.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits by Friday, criticizing the administration for partial payments and for threatening to defy court orders, highlighting the risk of hunger for millions of children and families.
As SNAP benefits expire amid a government shutdown, mayors and governors across the US are stepping in to cover the shortfall, with the Trump administration refusing to release contingency funds, risking food insecurity for millions of vulnerable Americans.