The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warns that escalating Middle East conflicts are increasing pressure on the agricultural and food systems.

Golden Ten Data reported on April 20 that on the 20th local time, Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, warned that conflicts in the Middle East are further weakening already fragile agricultural and food systems and impacting global supply chains, threatening the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food. At the 38th Session of the Near East Regional Conference held at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome on the same day, Qu Dongyu pointed out that food production, trade, and distribution systems in the Middle East are suffering severe impacts, while rising energy prices and disrupted fertilizer market supplies worldwide have increased production costs, affecting agricultural productivity both within and outside the region. He emphasized that even if conflicts end today, their long-term consequences for agriculture will persist. Conflicts have severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers, producers, and value chain participants. Qu Dongyu also stated that the Food and Agriculture Organization firmly believes that the right to food is a fundamental human right and that peace is a prerequisite for food security. Efficient, inclusive, and resilient agricultural and food systems are crucial for restoring stability and peace.