FERTILISER COSTS AND FOOD SHORTAGES - The costs of fertilizer have roughly tripled since last year, which has serious implications for world food production

 

Friday, November 19, 2021

Fertilizer Costs and Food Shortages

The costs of fertilizer have roughly tripled since last year, which has serious implications for world food production (Fortune, November 4, 2021). According to the CEO of a large Norwegian fertilizer producer, “The world is facing the prospect of a dramatic shortfall in food production as rising energy prices cascade through global agriculture.” He predicted very low crop yields in the next harvest cycle and noted that “the delayed effects of the energy crisis on food security could mimic the chip shortage crisis.” As reported by many news outlets, rapidly rising energy prices across the globe are putting upward pressure on farm-produced goods. Rising energy prices make it more expensive to dry and preserve foods, produce packaged food, and bring food to market. Floods and fires have also impacted food prices. In China, flooding and high energy costs have reduced crop yields. As costs increase and fertilizers become scarce, food production rates will drop off further. Add natural disasters and the derailment of fertilizer-carrying trains to the mix and the situation becomes grave. While the farm industry has learned how to increase crop yields to feed greater numbers of people, fertilizer has been a key ingredient in making this possible. Without fertilizer, crop yields will drop and people will go hungry. As an American investigative journalist once noted: “There are only nine meals between mankind and anarchy.” Bible prophecy predicts devastating food scarcity at the end of the age that will contribute to the deaths of hundreds of millions of people (Mark 13:8; Revelation 6:7–8). To learn more about this sobering topic, read “Famine and Food Shortage Coming.”

Anarchy in Haiti   In July, Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse was murdered (Reuters, October 27, 2021). Prime Minister Claude Joseph stepped in to run the country in his place, but under pressure has resigned, giving place to 71-year-old Ariel Henry, who had been selected by Moïse as future prime minister only two days before the assassination (NPR, July 19, 2021). However, since Henry’s appointment, his government and his nation have been held hostage by Haitian gangs. “The G9 alliance of gangs has for nearly a month been preventing trucks from reaching the Varreux fuel terminal outside Port-au-Prince, leading to shortages that have forced hospitals, businesses and schools to limit operations” (Reuters, November 12, 2021). Its leader, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, has publicly stated he wants the prime minister removed and has accused him of the murder of Jovenel Moïse. The prime minister responded by saying he will not negotiate with criminals. Canada is removing non-essential personnel from its embassy, and the United States recommended last week that its citizens leave Haiti. Anarchy appears to be setting in. The situation in Haiti is dangerous and tenuous, but sadly, it is not new. The nation has a long list of violent coups. Haiti is an island nation with tremendous potential and with a kind and welcoming citizenry. However, self-interested leaders and a lack of respect for the rule of law have long been heavy weights around its neck. The ongoing problems in Haiti are just one more example of the need for Jesus Christ to return as the Savior of this world to bring peace and justice to its troubled peoples (Isaiah 9:6–7). To learn more about the impact Christ’s reign will have on Haiti and many other nations of the earth, be sure to listen to or read The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?