Tehran – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that food security is increasingly evolving into a geopolitical challenge, with governments around the world placing greater emphasis on strengthening domestic food production and reducing dependence on imports amid rising global uncertainty.

 

According to the FAO, geopolitical tensions and a 25% increase in global logistics costs have pushed the world's food import bill to an estimated US$2.2 trillion, highlighting the growing vulnerability of international food supply chains to economic and political disruptions.

 

The organization also cautioned that climate phenomena such as El Niño could place additional pressure on global agricultural markets. Some analyses suggest that severe weather events linked to El Niño may lead to substantial increases in food prices by disrupting production in major exporting countries.

 

As a result, many governments are accelerating investments in domestic agriculture to enhance food security, improve supply-chain resilience, and reduce exposure to volatile global markets.

 

In Iran, the Seventh National Development Plan sets a target of achieving 90% self-sufficiency in essential food commodities. Despite this objective, the country continues to import around US$12 billion worth of food and agricultural products annually—equivalent to approximately one-third of its oil revenues.

 

Official figures indicate that Iran imports about 90% of its edible oil, 75% of livestock feed, 50% of its rice, and 20% of its sugar. Agricultural experts warn that such dependence leaves the country's food system exposed to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, supply-chain disruptions, and fluctuations in international commodity prices.

 

Alireza Rahimi, a senior agricultural expert, said expanding domestic agricultural production remains the most economical and dependable strategy for ensuring long-term food security.

 

"Investment in agriculture and food self-sufficiency must become a strategic national priority," Rahimi said. "The future of food security will be shaped by the productivity of our own farms. As global competition over food resources intensifies, food is increasingly viewed not merely as a commodity but as a strategic asset capable of influencing international relations."

 

The FAO has consistently emphasized that building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems—including increasing domestic production where feasible, diversifying supply sources, reducing food loss and waste, and improving agricultural productivity—is essential to safeguarding food security in an increasingly uncertain global environment.