We've heard a lot recently about the global #foodcrisis. Most coverage focuses on Russia's invasion, blockade of the Black Sea preventing Ukrainian grains & cooking oil exports, high gas prices cutting fertiliser production and sanctions further limiting Russian exports. But...🧵
...this crisis was already looming large, ongoing labour & logistic disruption have added to a plethora of climate impacts; heatwaves, flooding, droughts, storms etc. to leave global food system stressed like never before. Food reserves are low and extremely unevenly distributed.
China, a major food importer, holds majority of world's stockpile - they aren't aren't likely to sell as markets tighten. Dozens of countries have recently introduced export controls on food, a contagious collapse of international trade as producers seek to protect local markets.
Impacts are highly dependent on location, some countries previously highly dependent on Ukraine for their imports face the challenge of finding replacements from a tightening market. Poorer countries where food already consumes a large proportion of income face being priced out.
What can we do? With rising prices & shortages appearing now, 2023 will be worse. We need to grow more food personally, locally, now is the time to prepare. Even if you're fortunate enough to bear higher prices, every meal you can grow is one that remains in the shop for others.
If you have access to land, plan now to grow more food next year. Prepare beds, start making compost, buy tools, maybe a propagator & seeds (beat next spring's inevitable rush). If you don't have land try and find some, an allotment or maybe offer to grow in a neighbour's garden?
If you are unable to grow food yourself, could you make your garden available to someone else? Please support local growers. Join a local community supported agriculture scheme. Your regular commitment for the year, agreed in good time enables them to produce more food locally.
Finally, lobby politicians for better farming & food policy. This problem isn't going away when the war ends. Climate impacts will continue to worsen, demand for food continues to increase. The Land Workers Alliance are a voice of reason: @LandworkersUK landworkersalliance.org.uk
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