Strait of Hormuz crisis: Fertilizer scarcity will affect next harvests and food supplies, FAO warns

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu addresses the MED9++ Ministerial Meeting. He called for coordinated action on disruptions threatening food security.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a serious alert recently. Shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have caused widespread fertilizer shortages, logistics bottlenecks and soaring prices of agricultural inputs. This crisis stemming from geopolitical and shipping issues is rippling across the entire agricultural industry chain.

Crops have strict planting and fertilization timetables that cannot be postponed. Late fertilizer deliveries will force farmers to cut down or even stop fertilization, resulting in substantial yield losses. The food supply crunch will last from the second half of 2026 through 2027. That poses severe challenges to food security worldwide, especially in regions that depend on imported fertilizers.

Conventional chemical fertilizers rely heavily on global ocean shipping, fossil fuels and centralized production and transportation networks. Such rigid supply chains are extremely vulnerable to disruptions of key shipping routes. Against this backdrop, farmers worldwide need alternatives. Those inputs must combine stable supply, a low carbon footprint and reliable performance. Our natural seaweed extract is one such solution. It helps growers ride out the fertilizer crisis and keep production and food supply on track.

Fertilizer Scarcity: How Growers Can Protect the Next Harvest

Break Free from Traditional Supply Chain Risks

Traditional bulk fertilizers rely on highly concentrated raw material production, processing and transport. All three depend heavily on major ocean lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The long supply chain lacks resilience, and local disruptions will quickly evolve into global supply and demand imbalance.

Our seaweed extract is made from premium Ascophyllum nodosum sourced through diversified procurement channels. With well-distributed production bases and flexible logistics routes, our products never rely on a single shipping corridor. From raw material harvesting and deep processing to final delivery, the whole supply chain operates independently and stably. That structure keeps us clear of the supply stoppages and price spikes that shipping disruptions cause. Farmers worldwide get a continuous supply of high-quality inputs all year round.

Efficient Nutrition Absorption to Secure Crop Yields Within Limited Farming Windows

Fertilization must be completed within specific growth stages of crops, and any delay will directly affect final outputs. Our seaweed extract is rich in natural plant growth regulators, amino acids, trace elements and active algal substances. It also offers outstanding solubility and absorption efficiency.

Conventional fertilizers take time to act. Our product is absorbed quickly by crop roots, stems and leaves. It still works when applied within a relatively short window. Nutrition is delivered in full, and healthy growth is stimulated. It offsets the damage done by insufficient or delayed chemical fertilizer application. Crops keep growing normally at critical stages, and yield and quality hold steady through the shortage.

Reduce Dependence on Fossil Fuel-Based Fertilizers, Practice Sustainable Agriculture

Conventional chemical fertilizers consume massive fossil fuels during production and transportation, pushing up costs and aggravating resource pressure. In line with FAO’s long-term initiative to transform global agri-food systems, our seaweed extract is a pure natural bio-stimulant.

It is eco-friendly, pollution-free and compatible with various farming models. It works alone or together with a reduced amount of chemical fertilizer. Either way it improves soil vitality, strengthens crop stress resistance and improves the farmland environment. Adopting our seaweed extract lets farmers cut their reliance on fossil fuel-derived fertilizers and lower overall farming costs. It is also a practical step towards greener agriculture and more resilient food systems.

Universal Adaptability for Vulnerable Agricultural Regions

African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries that rely heavily on fertilizer imports are most vulnerable to the current crisis. Our seaweed extract is suitable for nearly all types of crops and growing environments. It adapts to diverse climates, soil conditions and farming scales, delivering consistent effects for smallholder farms and large-scale plantations alike.

We provide targeted solutions for regions facing food insecurity, economic fragility and climate shocks. Supply is stable and cost-performance is strong. That helps local farmers get through the shortage and keep food production steady.

Conclusion

The global fertilizer crisis has exposed the fragility of traditional agricultural supply chains. Our seaweed extract is a natural, efficient input with a stable supply. It addresses the immediate problems caused by shipping disruptions and fertilizer shortages. It also fits the wider shift towards sustainable agriculture.

We will keep supplying high-quality seaweed extract worldwide and support farmers through these agricultural challenges. We will also work with all parties to safeguard global food security. The goal is a more resilient and sustainable future for the agri-food industry.

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Source: FAO news release: fertilizer scarcity will affect next harvests and food supplies | FAO Director-General’s opening statement, 180th session of the Council

Related reading: Overview of Seaweed Fertilizers | Indonesia Agrochemical Market Insights | Seaweed Market Research in Vietnam