Global Food Crisis and Fertilizers: The Key Role of Chemical Innovation

The war in Ukraine has triggered a global food crisis that goes beyond cereal shortages: it has jeopardized the supply of fertilizers, a key pillar of modern agricultural production. Before the conflict, Russia and Belarus jointly accounted for around 33% of global potash exports, an essential fertilizer component. In addition, Russia was responsible for 15% of the global trade in nitrogen fertilizers and 12% of phosphate fertilizers [USDA, 2023].

International sanctions, trade disruptions, and the surge in natural gas prices—critical for ammonia synthesis—have created a perfect storm. Between 2021 and 2022, urea prices doubled, reaching historic levels.

This situation has severely impacted farmers in developing countries. In Africa, for instance, fertilizer use dropped by 14% between 2021 and 2022 due to price hikes and supply shortages [IFPRI, 2023]. The president of the African Development Bank warned that this shortage could lead to a 20% reduction in food production across the continent [Foreign Policy, 2022].

As a direct consequence, food insecurity has skyrocketed. The UN estimates that up to 50 million people in 45 countries are on the brink of famine due to the food crisis exacerbated by the war [WFP, 2023].

Chemical Solutions to Scarcity

Chemistry is leading the development of more efficient and sustainable fertilizers, essential to address global shortages and ensure agricultural productivity. Among the most significant advances are:

• Controlled-release fertilizers:

Thanks to biodegradable polymers and smart coatings, nutrients are gradually released according to soil conditions and crop needs. This reduces the number of applications, improves absorption, and minimizes leaching-related pollution.

• Biofertilizers and organomineral formulations:

Microorganisms that fix nitrogen or solubilize phosphorus are being incorporated, allowing for a reduction in chemical fertilizer use. Additionally, blending mineral nutrients with stabilized organic matter improves soil fertility and structure.

• Cleaner production through new catalysts:

Ammonia synthesis—crucial for nitrogen fertilizers—is being optimized with catalysts that work at lower temperatures and pressures. Research is also underway into producing “green ammonia” from renewable energy via electrochemical or plasma processes, which could partially replace the traditional Haber-Bosch process.

These advancements not only enable the production of more affordable and effective fertilizers but also pave the way for local solutions in regions hit hardest by the crisis.

CymitQuimica’s Commitment to Innovation in Fertilizers

At CymitQuimica, we actively support researchers and companies in developing more sustainable and efficient fertilizers by providing the key compounds that make such innovation possible. We offer a wide range of specialized catalysts, polymers, and compounds for biofertilizers, essential both in research and advanced formulation. Our goal is to facilitate access to these materials at a critical time for global food security, contributing through chemistry to solutions that help tackle scarcity and improve agricultural productivity.