Russian droughts and wildfires threaten global wheat supply, prices

Aug 9th, 2010 5:32 PM UTC
By Kim Zimmerman

With Russia’s announcement last week that it will prohibit all grain exports until the end of the year, it has become more important than ever to pass the Lugar-Casey Global Food Security Act.

Russia has experienced extreme drought and wildfires, leaving their wheat yield drastically low for the remainder of the year –- 20 percent less than what they expected. Their wheat shortage has caused wheat prices to increase to a two year high, potentially increasing world wheat prices.

Africans are particularly affected because they rely on grain imports for survival. The average African income is also lower, so an increase in food prices disproportionately affects them.

Many African families are unable to feed themselves and their communities because they lack the basic tools to work the land and harvest their crops. The Global Food Security Act would help Africans address this problem and support African farmers in their fight against hunger in their own villages, empowering Africa to feed Africa.

Supporting small farmers in Africa with seeds, fertilizer, successful farming techniques and basic infrastructure is an effective way to grow economies in poor countries.

These commonsense investments can help farmers earn their way out of poverty, providing families with sustainable incomes and giving local communities self-sustaining futures. But right now, the Global Food Security Act is stuck in the Senate. Get the bill moving and take action now. Tell your Senator to support a bill that will give Africa its best chance to feed itself.

TAGS: Africa, Agriculture, August partner update, Food Aid, World Food Crisis