Ontario farmers raise concerns about global food supply

Russia-Ukraine War could massively disrupt food supply chain

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening to jeopardize the global food supply chain, a risk that could impact the 2022 crop season, drive up prices in the short term and lead to widespread famine in at-risk regions by next year, warn Ontario farmers.

The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Ontario

Agri Business Association (OABA) held a briefing for provincial and federal government officials last week to outline the risks and challenges facing farmers for the planting of the coming season, and the impact the RussiaUkraine War could have on Ontario’s food supply. The groups also discussed the impact of a rail strike in addition to the challenges.

Farmers in Ukraine and Russia produce about a quarter of the world’s calories, with key regions in North Africa and the Middle East dependent on their production. But this supply chain has been significantly jeopardized by the tragic geopolitical events unfolding in Ukraine. This is forecast to result in a spike in food prices between eight and 22 per cent over the coming months, and many agriculture economists are predicting famine in several African countries within the next 18 months.

“The war in Ukraine is tragic, and OFA is united with our brethren Ukrainian farmers who have had their livelihoods ripped apart and lives put at risk. Ontario is Canada’s most productive region, and Ontario farmers are eager to do what is required to produce the food people rely on us to grow. But in light of these geopolitical matters, compounded by last year’s drought in Western Canada and South America, we can’t do it alone,” said OFA president Peggy Brekveld in a release.

How policymakers, farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture value chain respond to this crisis over the next few weeks is critical, and will determine how much food will be available in Ontario, Canada and around the world, the organizations say.

“The tragic consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are creating great concern and uncertainty heading into this year’s planting season. Suppliers are facing several potential obstacles that could prove to be very disruptive for farmers. Canada’s food system has already endured supply chain challenges due to the pandemic, and now we must prepare and adjust for global fertilizer supply shortages as well a potential CP Rail labour disruption, just weeks before planting. The situation is dire and needs immediate attention, said OABA executive director Russel

Hurst.

It is vitally important, they argue, that Ontario find ways to maximize its production of livestock feed and grain in the 2022 growing season, which will also require strategies to manage the shortfall in fertilizer that is expected to materialize because of sanctions against Russia.

“The Grain Farmers of Ontario stand with the people of Ukraine and the efforts Canada and its partners are making to restore peace in the region. We hosted this event today to share with policymakers the role Ontario’s grain production can make to help address and alleviate the food supply concerns that are unfolding around the world. Farmers in Ontario take seriously their duty to produce food, and we wanted to raise the issues we face completing that task,” said GFO char Brendan Byrne.

GFO, OFA and OABA have been meeting with government representatives in Canada as well as in the Province, one-onone over the last few weeks to raise the issues facing the spring planting to find ways to mitigate the risks of input supplies arriving on-time as well as price shocks to key inputs.