The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warns that the conflict in the Middle East is intensifying pressure on the agricultural and food systems.

On the 20th local time, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Qu Dongyu, warned that conflicts in the Middle East are further weakening the already fragile agricultural food system and impacting the global supply chain, threatening the accessibility, availability, and affordability of food. At the 38th Near East Regional Conference held at the FAO headquarters in Rome on that day, Qu Dongyu pointed out that the food production, trade, and distribution systems in the Middle East are facing serious challenges, with rising global energy prices and disruptions in the fertilizer market pushing up production costs, affecting agricultural productivity both within and outside the region. He emphasized that even if the conflict ends today, its long-term consequences on agriculture will continue. The conflict has severely affected the livelihoods of farmers, producers, and value chain participants. Qu Dongyu also stated that the FAO firmly believes that the right to food is a fundamental human right and that peace is a prerequisite for food security. An efficient, inclusive, and resilient agricultural food system is crucial for restoring stability and peace.