G7 agriculture ministers pledge coordination on fertilizer supplies amid Middle East conflict

Agriculture ministers from the G7 nations and the European Union have agreed to coordinate efforts to safeguard global fertilizer supplies as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to disrupt nutrient and energy markets.

During an extraordinary virtual meeting on June 8, ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the EU committed to closely monitoring fertilizer supply disruptions, diversifying supply chains, and promoting market transparency, according to a statement released by the French government.

The discussions come amid growing concerns that the conflict could disrupt ammonia exports and natural gas flows through the Gulf region, thereby increasing fertilizer production and transportation costs. Prices for urea and other nitrogen fertilizers have risen since hostilities began, raising concerns ahead of the Northern Hemisphere’s key fertilizer application season.

Japan’s agriculture minister, Norikazu Suzuki, said participants shared a sense of urgency about maintaining stable food and fertilizer supplies, according to local media reports.

The ministers did not announce specific market intervention measures or coordinated stockpiling plans. Instead, the joint communique emphasized information sharing and strengthening supply-chain resilience. The group said it would continue monitoring developments and consider additional actions if supply disruptions worsen.

Source: Bloomberg