Middle East conflict raises farmers’ woes

Fertilizer Canada is encouraging farmers to check on local fertilizer supplies as conflict in the Middle East threatens the supply of the important farming material.

The instability in the region has the potential to disrupt trade through the Strait of Hormuz, which plays a central role in the movement of fertilizer, Michael Bourque, president and CEO of Fertilizer Canada, said in an email to the Brandon Sun.

Any impact to global fertilizer production can be felt around the world, he said.

“Farmers are encouraged to consult their local agricultural retailers for the most up-to-date information on fertilizer supply in their area,” Bourque said. “The Arabian Gulf is known for oil production but is also a key producer of nitrogen, phosphate and sulphur and an important transportation route for commodities.”

Activity in the strait slowed to a halt over the past week following the breakout of conflict between Israel, the U.S. and Iran, a time lapse from the British Broadcasting Corporation showed on Thursday. Iranian Gen. Sardar Jabbari had threatened that Tehran will “not let a single drop of oil leave the region,” the BBC reported; and Trump has said that the U.S. Navy may escort tankers through the Straight of Hormuz.

It is hard to predict how Manitoban farmers will be impacted, however a major factor this spring will be the question of how much fertilizer is already on hand, Keystone Agricultural Producers president Jill Verwey told the Sun.

“How much fertilizer is in storage right now on farms? How much have producers pre-bought?” Verwey said in a phone call.