This episode discusses how food security has become a top issue in elections around the world, including Argentina, Poland, New Zealand, and India. They explore the risks of climate change, trade wars, and supply chain interruptions on global food security. The chapter also examines the challenges of achieving food security amidst geopolitical tensions and climate change impacts.
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Quick takeaways
Food security has become a major concern in elections worldwide, influencing government policies and shaping the political landscape.
Addressing global food supply volatility requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, resilience-building measures, and international cooperation.
Deep dives
Global Food Inflation and Supply Chain Challenges
The world is currently experiencing significant food inflation and supply chain disruptions due to various factors, including climate change, wars, and export bans. Erratic weather patterns such as heat waves, floods, and hail are impacting key crops worldwide, resulting in shortages and higher prices for staples like wheat and rice. The war in Ukraine has also affected the global food supply, particularly in terms of sunflower oil and wheat. Furthermore, the return of El Nino and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade have further exacerbated food insecurity. These challenges are not limited to low-income countries, as even the rich world is experiencing high food inflation and dietary-related health issues.
Food Insecurity as a Political Issue in Global Elections
Food insecurity has become a significant issue in upcoming elections worldwide, as governments and political parties grapple with appeals to both consumers and farmers. In countries with large agricultural sectors like India and Argentina, issues such as soaring onion prices and trade liberalization are central to political campaigns. Similarly, in Poland, discontent among farmers regarding imports from Ukraine influenced government policies and resulted in restrictions on grain imports. Throughout Europe, rising inflation and food-related health issues have also fueled concerns about food security. With more than two billion people heading to the ballot polls between October and May or June, food insecurity is increasingly shaping the political landscape.
The Need for Policy Responses and Building Food System Resilience
Addressing the volatility of the global food supply requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes and resilience-building measures. The current globalized food system heavily relies on a small number of highly traded grains, but climate change and increased demand are causing disruptions and price fluctuations. As geopolitical tensions and protectionist measures undermine global trade rules, countries are reevaluating their self-sufficiency and resilience strategies. Policymakers need to consider long-term solutions that focus on shifting consumption patterns, promoting sustainable agriculture, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, achieving a stable and sustainable food system requires international cooperation and a collective effort to address the complexities inherent in the global food supply chain.
Bloomberg’s Agnieszka de Sousa joins this episode to discuss why concerns about food security have become a top issue in elections around the world—including in Argentina, Poland, New Zealand and India. And food security expert Tim Benton of Chatham House talks about what can be done to relieve growing global tensions over food.