Fertilizer Prices, Smaller Crops, Less Food

The Wall Street Journal reports that rising fertilizer prices around the globe are impacting farmers everywhere (January 21, 2022). While having a devastating effect in developing countries, no one seems immune. In Texas, for example, fertilizer prices have risen by more than 80 percent since last year (KXXV News, January 20, 2022). Fertilizer prices now make up 30 to 35 percent of operating costs for farmers, and the rising prices are beginning to make crops too expensive for buyers. As a result, farmers are reducing the amount of crop they plant. Smaller crops mean smaller yields and, ultimately, less food for consumers.

The Wall Street Journal highlights the scope of the crisis: “Fertilizer demand in sub-Saharan Africa could fall 30% in 2022, according to the International Fertilizer Development Center, a global nonprofit organization. That would translate to 30 million metric tons less food produced, which the center says is equivalent to the food needs of 100 million people.” Lower fertilizer use ultimately impacts food production, food quality, and food availability, raising the prospect of global hunger. Even worldwide employment rates are impacted by the state of agriculture—and therefore, the fertilizer crisis.

Bible prophecy states that one of the signs of the coming end of the age will be famines and food scarcity. While some of this shortage will occur through droughts and war, some portion of these shortages could also be brought on by a lack of access to the chemicals that farmers have long depended upon to vastly increase crop yields. We are told to watch for the signs of the end of the age (Mark 13:35–37), and one of the signs could be a decrease in food availability. To get more details about this vital topic, be sure to read or listen to our free booklet Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.