It is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that global agricultural markets have experienced supply-side shocks and price spikes.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, food export bans by many countries, high energy prices, and droughts in numerous food-exporting countries in 2007 and 2008 caused nominal food prices to double between 2002 and 2008.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdowns disrupted global supply chains, making it costlier and more difficult to ship products and obtain critical farming inputs.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, however, has taken things to another level. By the middle of May, Ukraine's exports had ceased completely, with global agricultural commodity prices more than doubling as a result. The countries most vulnerable are those that rely on agricultural exports from Ukraine and Russia to feed their citizens, or fertiliser from Russia and Belarus to produce their own food.
EVER-INCREASING FOOD PRICES
Food prices were already high before Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war is driving them even higher. Commodities most affected are wheat, maize, edible oils, and fertilisers. Global commodity markets face upside risks due to reduced grain supplies, higher prices for energy, fertiliser and fuel, and trade disruptions.
This has left farmers around the world concerned about their profit margins and the future of their operations.
Denne historien er fra June 03, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra June 03, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.
Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.
Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.
Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector
Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.
Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production
Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results
Optimising cherry production and quality
Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.
