Fertilizer Crisis: Greenpeace Calls for Ecological Farming to Secure Food Supply

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Escalating tensions in the Middle East are adding a new layer of complexity to global food security, with the potential for significant price shocks. Disruption to global fertilizer supply chains, triggered by Iran’s restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz following recent attacks, is drawing concern from organizations like Greenpeace, who argue the crisis exposes fundamental weaknesses in the current food system. More than 68 loaded oil tankers are currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, according to Greenpeace, further exacerbating the situation.

The Fertilizer Chokepoint

The immediate concern centers on fertilizer. Iran’s actions, taken in response to attacks launched by Israel and the United States on February 28th, effectively close a critical artery for the shipment of key agricultural inputs. A Bloomberg report from March 6th, 2026, highlighted the threat to vital supplies needed for feeding the world, a concern now echoed by Greenpeace. The Bloomberg article details how the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial transit point for these materials.

Amanda Larsson, Global Big Ag Project Lead at Greenpeace Aotearoa, stated the crisis “reveals a systemic failure at the heart of our global food system.” Larsson’s assessment points to a dangerous reliance on synthetic fertilizers produced by a limited number of large corporations. This concentration of production creates vulnerability when supply chains are disrupted, leaving farmers and consumers exposed to price volatility.

Dependence on Synthetic Fertilizers

Greenpeace estimates that nearly half of global food production now relies on these synthetic fertilizers. This dependence isn’t simply a matter of convenience; it’s a result of decades of agricultural policy that prioritized maximizing yields through chemical inputs. The current situation demonstrates the risks inherent in this approach. Farmers are facing increased costs at a critical time – the peak of the spring application season in the Northern Hemisphere – threatening harvests and potentially driving up food prices for consumers. The organization points to the geopolitical shock hitting farmers at a particularly vulnerable moment.

The reliance on a handful of “fossil fuel and agrochemical giants” – a phrase used by Larsson – is a key point of contention. These companies control a significant portion of the fertilizer market, giving them considerable influence over pricing and supply. This concentration of power, coupled with geopolitical instability, creates a precarious situation for global food security.

Ecological Farming as a Solution

Greenpeace isn’t simply identifying the problem; it’s advocating for a fundamental shift in agricultural practices. The organization champions ecological farming as a long-term solution to food sovereignty, independence, and local resilience. This approach focuses on working with natural processes to enhance soil health and nutrient cycling, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

The benefits of ecological farming, according to Greenpeace, extend beyond reducing chemical dependence. It can also lower costs for farmers, protect waterways from pollution caused by fertilizer runoff, and ensure a more sustainable and affordable food supply for future generations. The organization argues that this approach addresses not only food security but also the broader challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

A Call for Policy Change

Larsson argues that governments are currently propping up a “fragile corporate model” through financial support for industrial agriculture. Greenpeace is calling for a redirection of these funds towards ecological practices and the transition to self-sufficient, localized food systems. The organization believes that food security cannot be achieved through reliance on a volatile global chemical market but must be “grown from the ground up” through healthy soil and resilient communities.

This call for policy change aligns with a growing movement advocating for more sustainable and localized food systems. The current crisis serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in a globalized food supply chain and the need for greater resilience at the local level.

Broader Implications and Regional Risks

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz extends beyond fertilizer. As highlighted by Greenpeace International, over 68 loaded oil tankers are currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, carrying around 16 billion litres of oil – equivalent to Greece’s annual crude oil consumption. This represents a significant ecological risk, with the potential for devastating oil spills that could harm sensitive ecosystems and livelihoods for decades. The blockage also adds to existing global energy market anxieties.

The ecological risks are particularly acute in the Persian Gulf, a unique and fragile ecosystem. An oil spill could have long-lasting consequences for marine life, coastal communities, and the region’s overall biodiversity. Greenpeace is calling for an immediate end to military violence and a return to diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the situation and prevent further disruptions to vital supply chains.

What’s Next: A Watchlist for Supply Chain Stability

The immediate future hinges on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Several key factors will be closely watched in the coming weeks:

• Negotiations: Any progress in diplomatic talks between Iran, the United States, Israel, and other regional actors.
• Shipping Rates: Monitoring freight rates for fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, as these will reflect the impact of the disruption.
• Government Responses: Observing how governments respond to the crisis, including potential measures to support farmers and ensure food security.
• Alternative Supply Routes: Assessing the feasibility of alternative supply routes for fertilizers, though these are likely to be more expensive and time-consuming.

The situation underscores the interconnectedness of global supply chains and the potential for geopolitical events to have far-reaching consequences for food security and economic stability. The crisis serves as a wake-up call for the need to build more resilient and sustainable food systems that are less vulnerable to external shocks.

Contact information for Greenpeace representatives is available on their website: https://www.greenpeace.org/