Fertilizer Prices Could Rise Amid Global Conflict

The Ministry of Agriculture is cautioning farmers that rising fuel costs may not be the only challenge linked to the ongoing US/Israel war on Iran. Chief Executive Officer Cervulo Baeza said the war could also drive up the price of fertilizers, affecting the cost of agricultural production.

In an interview with News Five, Baeza explained that fuel remains a critical input for farmers, used for transportation and irrigation. “When the price of fuel goes up, it certainly affects production costs. And other inputs, like fertilizers, are closely linked to energy prices,” he said.

Baeza referenced the Ukraine-Russia war as an example, noting that fertilizer prices there once spiked over 100 percent before stabilizing. “We’re preparing for the likelihood that fertilizer costs could increase again because of this conflict,” he added.

To help farmers mitigate the impact, the Ministry is promoting good agricultural practices, including composting, organic fertilizers, and bio-fábricas, which convert organic waste into fertilizer. These measures aim to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on imported inputs.

“While some shocks come from outside and are unavoidable, we’re doing our best to help farmers absorb the impact,” Baeza said.