Take Action to Secure Our Food Supply
2,319 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Hunger Site
Sanctions on fertilizer suppliers have lead to food shortages and malnutrition. Take action to protect our global food supply!
Every bite of food we enjoy begins with the dedication of a farmer, the nurturing of a crop, and the magic of soil. But beneath the surface of this intricate system lies an unsung hero: fertilizer. Fertilizers provide the nutrients essential to the growth of the food we rely on. They underpin our global food supply1.
Yet, the world's food production is at a crossroads, facing threats that extend beyond climate change, pests, and other natural factors. The disruption in the fertilizer supply chain poses an imminent danger to our food security2.
The Fertilizer Dilemma
Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and sanctions have caused major fertilizer suppliers like Russia and China to reduce exports3. This disruption ripples through the global fertilizer supply chain, resulting in soaring prices4. As prices climb, access to fertilizers becomes a challenge, particularly in low-income and developing nations5.
The consequences are dire: reduced fertilizer use, diminished crop yields, and a looming food crisis that affects us all6.
Our Call to Action
We're taking a stand for global food security and a brighter, healthier future. It's time to act. Join us in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement policies that shift fertilizer sourcing away from Russia and China. We must diversify and strengthen our raw material supply chains to reduce the risk of crop disruptions.
Why This Matters
Our food supply chain is at stake. The stability and affordability of fertilizers are integral to ensuring a world where no one goes to bed hungry, a world where we can all enjoy the nutritious and diverse food we deserve.
By signing our petition, you support a vision of global food security. You endorse a healthier, safer future for all, free from the threat of food shortages and malnutrition. Join us in ensuring that food remains abundant, accessible, and secure.
Take Action Now
Lend your voice to the fight for a more food-secure world. Sign our petition today and be part of the solution. Together, we can secure our food supply and promote a future where no one suffers the pangs of hunger.
- Yara International ASA, "Five important facts about fertilizers."
- Peter S. Goodman, The New York Times (15 October 2023), "How a Fertilizer Shortage Is Spreading Desperate Hunger."
- Mei Mei Chu and Rajendra Jadhav, Reuters (8 September 2023), "China slows fertiliser exports, raising industry concerns in India."
- Tamayo Muto and Tomoyoshi Oshikiri, Nikkei Asia (10 November 2022), "Harvests fall in Asia and Africa as fertilizer prices soar on Ukraine war."
- Ousman Gajigo, Africa Policy Research Institute (4 October 2022), "The Impact of Fertilizer Prices on Africa."
- World Food Programme, Resilience Links, "Estimated Likely Impact of Increased Fertilizer Prices on Cereal Production in Eastern Africa During the 2022 Cropping Year."
The Petition:
To the United States Secretary of Agriculture,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the disruption in the global fertilizer supply chain, and its potential to undermine global food security. Fertilizers are a fundamental component of the global food supply chain, playing a pivotal role in ensuring an abundant and stable supply of food.
Fertilizers provide vital nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potassium, which are essential for promoting healthy crop growth, increasing agricultural yields, and sustaining food production. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food is on the rise, making the reliable supply of fertilizers more critical than ever.
The recent disruptions in the fertilizer supply chain, particularly due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions impacting major suppliers like Russia and China, pose a severe threat to global food security. These disruptions have led to increased fertilizer costs, making them less accessible to farmers around the world, especially in low-income and developing nations. The consequences of these disruptions are evident in projections of reduced crop yields, which could lead to food shortages and increased malnutrition globally.
To mitigate the risks posed by these disruptions, we urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take proactive measures. We call upon you to develop and implement policies that will shift fertilizer sourcing away from Russia and China, while simultaneously diversifying and strengthening our raw material supply chains. These actions will help reduce the risk of crop disruptions, ensuring a stable and affordable supply of fertilizers for American farmers and global agriculture.
By taking these steps, we can contribute to a healthier, safer future for all. Stable access to fertilizers is essential for achieving global food security, reducing malnutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Your support for these policies is an investment in the well-being of communities both at home and around the world.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We believe that with your leadership, we can safeguard our food supply chain and contribute to a more food-secure and prosperous world.
Sincerely,
