FAO Sounds Alarm Over Converging Shocks Threatening Global Food Security
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has sounded the alarm over converging international shocks threatening global food security. Maximo Torero, the FAO's chief economist, cited the ongoing European heatwave, El Niño phenomenon, Strait of Hormuz crisis, and Ukraine's Black Sea grain export threats as the main concerns.
The heatwave has already affected agricultural production in Europe, with total grain production falling 9.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Corn production was down 13.8 percent, potatoes down 3 percent, and sunflowers down 7 percent, according to European Commission data.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global supply chains and drive up energy and fertilizer costs, further straining agricultural production worldwide.