World Rice Supplies Threatened by War, El Niño

National Association of Farm Broadcasting

Global rice supplies are expected to tighten this year as farmers across Asia reduce planting due to rising input costs and worsening weather conditions, raising concerns for food security and U.S. producers alike. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization said fertilizer shortages and higher fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict are forcing growers in key exporting countries like Thailand and Vietnam to scale back production. At the same time, developing El Niño conditions are expected to bring hotter, drier weather, further pressuring yields. “Farmers have already started planting rice in some countries and are using fewer inputs because prices have gone up,” said the Food and Agriculture Organization. Reuters said for U.S. farmers and ranchers, tighter global supplies could create new export opportunities and support stronger commodity prices, particularly for rice producers competing in international markets.