Speakers gather to discuss food security at home and abroad (Daily Nebraskan)

Daily Nebraskan published an article about a seminar, Global Food Security: Political, Economic, and Climate Challenges at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Senior research fellow Joseph Glauber covered short-term causes for international food insecurity, specifically citing issues related to COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine for rising production costs. He pointed towards difficulties in increasing grains and fertilizer prices, which he attributed partially to the former issues as well as a rise in inflation. Russia and Ukraine are “key players” in the global market, with exports of corn, wheat, and sunflower oil, Glauber said. Their inability to be as productive in these agricultural fields has created a rise in prices, and although Russia has been able to recover some, Ukraine has faced a greater struggle. He presented a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ for recommendations on short-term policy responses, including targeting social safety nets to the neediest, and avoiding panic buying and the cancellation of environmental initiatives.” “If we’re to really address climate, from as far as the agricultural sector is concerned, reinvesting in research and development is really going to be key here. We’ve seen a lot of talk about that, but very little action,” added Glauber.