Grains are essential to global food security, but ensuring that there is enough for everyone requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing the challenges of climate change, geopolitical disruptions, and economic instability is critical to building a resilient global food system. Sustainable agricultural practices, increased investment in infrastructure, enhanced market access, and cutting-edge research are all necessary steps to secure the future of global grain supplies.
In a world where over three billion people cannot afford a healthy diet and one-third of food produced is either lost or wasted, the global food system is at a critical juncture. As populations rise, climate change worsens, and geopolitical tensions grow, the global food system, which includes production, distribution, and consumption, is failing in its most fundamental purpose: to provide food security and nutrition for all. The grain sector, which plays a pivotal role in food security, is particularly vulnerable. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked, “In a world of plenty, it is outrageous that people continue to suffer and die from hunger.”
Grains, including wheat, maize, and rice, form the bedrock of food systems, accounting for more than half of the world’s caloric intake. Yet, their production, distribution, and affordability are increasingly being challenged by systemic drivers such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic disparity.
THE ROLE OF GRAINS IN GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
Grains are central to global food security, feeding billions of people directly and providing essential feed for livestock. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 2.8 billion tons of grains were produced globally in 2023, with wheat, maize, and rice comprising the bulk of this figure. However, grain supply is increasingly under threat. The World Bank reports that in 2023, high food prices affected 52% of low-income countries and 67% of high-income nations. Prices were driven higher by disruptions to grain supply chains, primarily due to conflicts, climate events, and rising input costs.