The World The Iran war is affecting global food security
Mar 20, 2026
Fariba Nawa, Afghan-American reporter in Turkey, shares a personal Nowruz tradition. David Ortega, Michigan State food economics professor, explains how Strait of Hormuz disruptions threaten fertilizer, natural gas–dependent production, shipping routes and global planting. Short, vivid conversations about who will feel the squeeze and what breaks down next.
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Higher Input Costs Can Cut This Year's Yields
- Rising fertilizer and diesel prices reduce fertilizer application and raise transport and processing costs, lowering yields and pushing up food prices globally.
- Ortega warns spring planting season timing magnifies risk as farmers may apply less nitrogen fertilizer, cutting yields months later.
South Asian Plants Are Already Shutting Down
- Some fertilizer plants in India and Bangladesh have already shut down due to lack of Persian Gulf natural gas inputs.
- Ortega describes facilities closing and shipments being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing costs and insurance risk.
Invest In Resilience And Agricultural R&D
- Strengthen supply chain resilience and invest in agricultural research and development to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.
- Ortega frames these as long‑term fixes to improve productivity and buffer future fertilizer and energy disruptions.