For many countries, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had a grave impact on food costs and availability. Grain export bans and pipeline shutdowns by Russia have resulted in a sharp increase in international food prices.
There are other impacts that are equally serious, but less obvious. In the case of Japan, one of the most significant impacts has been the increase in chemical fertilizer prices – up 50% compared to three years ago according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF). The problem shows the unstable position of agriculture in Japan, relying on foreign supplies of principal resources.
