---
title: "FAO warns global food prices will rise by end of 2026 due to wars and El Niño"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/business/fao-warns-global-food-prices-will-rise-by-end-of-2026-due-to-wars-and-el-nino"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/fao-warns-global-food-prices-will-rise-by-end-of-2026-due-to-wars-and-el-nino"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/business/fao-warns-global-food-prices-will-rise-by-end-of-2026-due-to-wars-and-el-nino.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/fao-warns-global-food-prices-will-rise-by-end-of-2026-due-to-wars-and-el-nino"
category: "Business & Economy"
area: "Africa"
published: "2026-08-07T10:05:36.648Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-07T09:27:28.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T13:45:07.901Z"
trust_score: 64
critic_score: 95
hype_score: 30
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-07T17:30:04.896Z"
---

# FAO warns global food prices will rise by end of 2026 due to wars and El Niño

*Chief economist Maximo Torero says conflicts in Iran and Ukraine and extreme weather will drive costs higher*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 64 of 100, higher is better. Trust 64: includes named FAO chief economist, specific loss figures, and location, but limited independent reporting.
- Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Critic 95: provides clear context, multiple quotes, specific data, and outlines future impacts.
- Hype 30 of 100, lower is better. Hype 30: mild emphasis with terms like “perfect storm” but overall measured language.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- The FAO’s chief economist, Maximo Torero, warned that global food prices will rise by the end of 2026 and increase further in 2027 due to wars in Iran and Ukraine and the El Niño weather phenomenon.
- Australia reported a 21% decline in winter crop production, attributed to higher fuel and fertiliser costs, as noted by multiple outlets.
- The U.S. Farm Bureau estimates farmers could lose $32 billion in 2027 without federal assistance, a figure cited by HuffPost.
- Outlets disagreed on whether the price surge had already begun, with the Financial Post reporting a three-year high in July, while others focused on future projections.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that global food prices will rise by the end of 2026 and continue increasing in 2027. Maximo Torero, the FAO’s chief economist, attributed the surge to wars in Iran and Ukraine, the El Niño weather phenomenon, and rising costs for fuel and fertiliser. Torero told Reuters that the impact of these factors would become visible in consumer prices within three to six months.

Australia, one of the world’s largest crop exporters, reported a 21% decline in winter crop production, linked to higher fuel and fertiliser prices. The FAO also noted that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, would affect agricultural inputs such as oil and natural gas, which are used for pumping, packaging, and fertiliser production. In the U.S., the Farm Bureau estimated that farmers could lose $32 billion in 2027 without federal assistance, with every major crop projected to remain below breakeven.

El Niño’s impact on rainfall patterns was highlighted as a significant risk, with India’s monsoon already delayed and below-average rainfall expected. Torero warned that the combination of these factors could push tens of millions into acute food insecurity. The FAO’s warning was corroborated by reports from outlets across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, though some focused on immediate price increases while others emphasised future projections.

## When the price surge begins

Outlets disagreed on whether the food price surge had already started. The Financial Post reported that global food prices had reached a three-year high in July, citing supply fears. HuffPost, however, quoted Torero as saying that while commodity prices had begun to rise, the impact on consumer food prices would not be visible until the end of 2026. Other outlets, including Globo and IOL Portugal, focused on the FAO’s projection of price increases by the end of the year without specifying whether the rise had already begun.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mentioned the U.S. Farm Bureau’s estimate that farmers could lose $32 billion in 2027 without federal assistance. The figure was included only in HuffPost’s report. The FAO’s specific timeline for the transmission of commodity prices to consumer costs, three to six months, was also omitted from all digests, including those rated centre and right. Only HuffPost quoted Torero’s explanation of the delay.

The FAO’s warning that tens of millions could face acute food insecurity due to El Niño and other factors was not mentioned in any of the centre or right-rated digests. The impact of the Strait of Hormuz on agricultural inputs was also left out of all digests except HuffPost’s report.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 33 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 18% (6)
- Centre: 30% (10)
- Right: 52% (17)

21 of 54 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-07T17:30:04.896Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 4 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-07T18:00:46.168Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports agree that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization expects global food prices to rise by the end of 2026. All four outlets led on the combined impact of wars and El Niño on crop yields and costs.
- HuffPost’s full report included the FAO’s forecast that commodity prices would accelerate by year-end, with a three-to-six-month delay before consumer prices reflect the increase. It quoted the FAO chief economist on disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, diesel shortages, and fertiliser constraints. The Independent and Irish Times digests noted food prices had already reached a three-year high last month.
- None of the digests from The Independent (UK and US) or the Irish Times mentioned the FAO’s projection of a $32 billion loss for US farmers in 2027 or the 21% drop in Australia’s winter crop production. These details appeared only in HuffPost’s report.

### Centre

- The four centre-rated digests, Devdiscourse, The Economic Times, RTÉ, and WTVB, all led with the FAO’s warning of a fresh food price surge driven by wars in Iran and Ukraine and El Niño. Devdiscourse noted that prices were expected to rise by the end of the year and into 2027. The Economic Times and WTVB included the 21% decline in Australia’s winter crop production and the impact of tight margins on farmers’ planting decisions. RTÉ’s digest repeated the FAO’s description of a "perfect storm" of higher costs and lower yields.
- None of the centre-rated digests mentioned the $32 billion potential loss for U.S. farmers or the FAO’s specific timeline for the transmission of commodity prices to consumer costs. The Economic Times and WTVB both noted that the combination of factors would likely increase consumer food costs globally, but they did not quote Torero or other sources directly.

### Right

- The five right-rated digests, Financial Post, Globo, Asharq AL-awsat, The Straits Times, and Times of India, led with the immediate or near-term impact of the food price surge. The Financial Post reported that global food prices had already hit a three-year high in July due to supply fears. Globo framed the issue as a worsening scenario for consumers, with its headline: "If Going to the Market Already Weighs in the Pocket, Scenario Must Get Worse, Previews UN."
- Asharq AL-awsat and The Straits Times repeated the FAO’s warning of a "perfect storm" of higher costs and lower yields, while the Times of India noted that prices may rise by the end of the year and into 2027. The Times of India and Asharq AL-awsat both included the 21% decline in Australia’s winter crop production. None of the right-rated digests mentioned the $32 billion potential loss for U.S. farmers or the FAO’s concern about the Strait of Hormuz’s impact on agricultural inputs.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 3
- mixed: 8
- high: 17
- unknown: 21
- veryHigh: 5

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Transport Topics](https://ttnews.com/articles/global-food-price-3-year-high) — Global food prices hit 3-year high as supply fears build
- [CGTN](https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-07/Global-food-prices-edge-up-in-July-amid-heat-waves-conflicts-FAO-1Pq2ABQatSE/p.html) — Global food prices edge up in July amid heat waves, regional conflicts: FAO
- [UN News](https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/08/1168096) — Food prices edged up in July amid heatwaves and energy price hikes
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/world/article/world-food-prices-hit-3-year-high-in-july-as-weather-and-war-weigh-un) — World food prices hit 3-year high in July as weather and war weigh: UN
- [Stirile Antena 1 Observator](https://observatornews.ro/economic/alimentele-la-cel-mai-ridicat-pret-din-ultimii-3-ani-canicula-si-razboaiele-imping-scumpirile-662459.html) — Foods, at the Highest Price in the Last Three Years. Canicula and Wars Push the Costs
- [gazetepencere.com](https://gazetepencere.com/avrupa-gundemi/gida-fiyatlarinda-savas-ve-iklim-krizi-etkisi-son-3-yilin-en-yuksek-710946h) — Impact of War and Climate Crisis on Food Prices: Reaches Highest Level in 3 Years.
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260807158400099) — Global Food Prices Rise Again Amid Heatwaves and War, Reach Highest in Three and a Half Years
- [ussanews.com](https://ussanews.com/2026/08/07/global-food-prices-hit-three-year-high-as-war-chokepoint-chaos-and-el-nino-spark-perfect-storm) — Global Food Prices Hit Three-Year High As War, Chokepoint Chaos And El Nino Spark Perfect Storm
- [Irish Times](https://irishtimes.com/business/farming-food/2026/08/07/global-food-prices-hit-three-year-high-on-back-of-conflict-and-extreme-weather) — Global food prices hit three-year high on back of conflict and extreme weather
- [Business Insider (Poland)](https://businessinsider.com.pl/gospodarka/ceny-zywnosci-bija-rekordy-onz-ostrzega-przed-skutkami-upalow-i-napiec/m473zd2) — Food Prices in the World Are at Their Highest in Years. UN Data Released
- [Latestly](https://latestly.com/agency-news/business-news-global-food-prices-edge-up-as-cereals-sugar-and-edible-oils-turn-costlier-fao-7549909.html) — Global Food Prices Edge Up as Cereals, Sugar and Edible Oils Turn Costlier: FAO
- [Free Malaysia Today News](https://freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/08/07/world-food-prices-hit-3-year-high-in-july-as-weather-war-weigh) — World food prices hit 3-year high in July as weather, war weigh
- [大纪元 Epoch Times](https://epochtimes.com/b5/26/8/7/n14825368.htm) — UN Food and Agriculture Organization: July Food Price Index Hits Three-Year High
- [NRC Handelsblad](https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/08/07/voedselsysteem-instabieler-door-oorlogen-en-extreem-weer-waarschuwt-vn-organisatie-a4934057) — Food System More Unstable Due to Wars and Extreme Weather, Warns UN Organization
- [Deutschlandfunk](https://deutschlandfunk.de/uno-index-auf-hoechstem-stand-seit-anfang-102.html) — Worldwide Food Prices - UN Index at the Highest Level Since the Beginning of 2023
- [Nemos News Network](https://nemosnewsnetwork.com/global-food-prices-hit-three-year-high-as-war-chokepoint-chaos-and-el-nino-spark-perfect-storm) — Global Food Prices Hit Three-Year High As War, Chokepoint Chaos And El Nino Spark Perfect Storm
- [Le Figaro](https://lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/sucre-cereales-huiles-les-bouleversements-geopolitiques-et-climatiques-ont-fait-bondir-les-prix-alimentaires-en-juillet-20260807) — Sugar, Cereals, oils... Geopolitical and Climatic Upheavals Caused Food Prices to Jump in July
- [Efeagro Información agroalimentaria](https://efeagro.com/fao-precios-calor-energia) — FAO Price Index Increased in July Due to Heat
- [Daily Sabah](https://dailysabah.com/business/economy/weather-war-send-global-food-prices-to-over-3-year-high-in-july) — Weather, war send global food prices to over 3-year high in July
- [Česká televize](https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/clanek/svet/svetove-ceny-potravin-jsou-na-triletem-maximu-zjistila-fao-376374) — World Food Prices at Three-Year High, FAO Finds
- [Observador](https://observador.pt/2026/08/07/calor-e-energia-elevam-precos-mundiais-dos-alimentos-em-julho) — Heat and Energy Raise World Food Prices in July
- [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/politik/konjunktur/lebensmittel-un-index-fuer-lebensmittelpreise-auf-hoechstem-stand-seit-2023/100245774.html) — Food: UN Index for Food Prices at the Highest Level Since 2023
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/economia/3033438/calor-e-energia-disparam-precos-dos-alimentos-veja-quais-se-destacam) — Heat and Energy Trigger Food Prices: See What Stand Out
- [Bloomberg](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-07/global-food-prices-rise-to-three-year-high-as-supply-fears-build) — Global Food Prices Hit Three-Year High as Supply Fears Build
- [The News](https://thenews.com.pk/latest/1411512-world-heading-towards-hunger-crisis-fao-warns-extreme-weather-and-global-conflict-pushing-food-prices-to-record-highs) — World heading towards hunger crisis? FAO warns extreme weather and global conflict pushing food prices to record highs
- [aljarida.com](https://aljarida.com/article/140187) — World Food Prices Are Rising to the Highest Level in Three Years.
- [Stirile Pro TV](https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/financiar/razboaiele-si-fenomenele-meteo-extreme-imping-in-sus-preturile-alimentelor-fao-raporteaza-un-nou-maxim-al-ultimilor-trei-ani.html) — Wars and Extreme Weather Events Push Food Prices up. FAO Reports a New Peak of the Last Three Years
- [Reformatorisch Dagblad](https://rd.nl/a/1158751-voedselprijzen-hoogst-in-ruim-drie-jaar-door-oorlogen-en-weer) — Food Prices Highest in over Three Years Due to Wars and Weather
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/world-food-prices-iran-war-ukraine-russia-heatwave-b3029218.html) — World food prices soar to three-year high amid conflicts and extreme weather
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/life-style/food-and-drink/world-food-prices-iran-war-ukraine-russia-heatwave-b3029218.html) — World food prices soar to three-year high amid conflicts and extreme weather
- [Financial Post](https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/global-food-prices-hit-three-year-high-as-supply-fears-build) — Global Food Prices Hit Three-Year High as Supply Fears Build
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/08/07/fao-prezzi-alimentari-06-in-un-mese-impattano-caldo-e-guerre_9011f99a-5aec-49fb-bb87-4c98d7f35029.html) — Fao, Food Prices +0.6% in a Month, Hot Impact and Wars
- [Zero Hedge](https://zerohedge.com/commodities/global-food-prices-hit-three-year-high-war-chokepoint-chaos-and-el-nino-spark-perfect) — Global Food Prices Hit Three-Year High As War, Chokepoint Chaos And El Nino Spark Perfect Storm
- [economiematin.fr](https://economiematin.fr/alimentation-prix-vont-flamber-ici-2027-alerte-fao) — Food: Prices Will Blaze by 2027, FAO Warns
- [Farmers Review Africa](https://farmersreviewafrica.com/extreme-heat-threatens-africas-farmers-and-food-production-fao-wmo-report-warns) — Extreme heat threatens Africa’s farmers and food production, FAO-WMO report warns
- [Social News XYZ](https://socialnews.xyz/2026/08/06/food-and-agriculture-organization-of-the-united-nations-fao-strengthens-agricultural-statistics-across-africa-to-support-better-decisions-on-food-and-agriculture) — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Strengthens Agricultural Statistics Across Africa to Support Better Decisions on Food and Agriculture
- [Global Business Outlook](https://globalbusinessoutlook.com/economy/world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-due-to-conflicts-el-nino-fao-warns) — World faces fresh food price surge due to conflicts, El Nino, FAO warns
- [independentpress.cc](https://independentpress.cc/world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns/2026/08/06) — WORLD FACES FRESH FOOD PRICE SURGE, FAO WARNS
- [A TARDE](https://atarde.com.br/economia/el-nino-e-guerras-ameacam-o-preco-da-comida-no-brasil-1397644) — El Niño and Wars Threaten the Price of Food in Brazil
- [Globo](https://g1.globo.com/economia/noticia/2026/08/05/se-ir-ao-mercado-ja-pesa-no-bolso-cenario-deve-piorar-onu-preve-alta-dos-alimentos-ate-o-fim-de-2026.ghtml) — If Going to the Market Already Weighs in the Pocket, Scenario Must Get Worse, Previews UN
- [IOL Portugal](https://sol.iol.pt/internacional/noticias/guerras-e-el-nino-vao-fazer-subir-precos-dos-alimentos-ate-ao-final-do-ano/20260805/6a734c020cf2f6a1a1e73136) — Wars and El Niño Will Raise Food Prices by the End of the Year
- [Hospodárske Noviny](https://hnonline.sk/finweb/zahranicna-ekonomika/96295511-osn-ocakava-rast-svetovych-cien-potravin-vojny-a-fenomen-el-nino-vplyvaju-na-urodu) — UN Expects World Food Prices to Rise. Wars and El Niño Affect Harvests
- [El Economista](https://eleconomista.com.mx/internacionales/fao-advierte-nuevo-episodio-inflacion-alimentaria-guerras-nino-20260805-826737.html) — FAO Warns of a New Episode of Food Inflation From Wars and El Niño
- [HuffPost](https://huffpost.com/entry/un-warning-food-prices_n_6a73281ce4b02974827bf781) — U.N. Warns 3 Global Crises Are About To Push Food Prices Higher
- [Devdiscourse](https://devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3959953-world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns) — World faces fresh food price surge, FAO warns | Science-Environment
- [Folha de S.Paulo](https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/2026/08/mundo-vai-encarar-nova-alta-nos-precos-dos-alimentos-alerta-fao.shtml) — Food: World Will Face New High Prices, Says FAO - 05/08/2026
- [Asharq AL-awsat](https://english.aawsat.com/business/5303648-world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns) — World Faces Fresh Food Price Surge, FAO Warns
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns-2026-08-05) — World faces fresh food price surge, FAO warns
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-un-agency-warns) — Food price surge looms, UN agency warns
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns/articleshow/132917456.cms) — World faces fresh food price surge, FAO warns
- [The Economic Times](https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/business/world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns/articleshow/132917456.cms) — World faces fresh food price surge, FAO warns
- [RTÉ](https://rte.ie/news/business/2026/0805/1586572-world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns) — World faces fresh food price surge, FAO warns
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/08/05/world-faces-fresh-food-price-surge-fao-warns) — World faces fresh food price surge, FAO warns
- [Adevarul](https://adevarul.ro/stiri-interne/meteo/el-nino-va-aduce-valuri-de-calduri-si-in-2547784.html) — El Niño Will Bring Heat Waves and in October, Warns Experts of the World Meteorological Organization

## Questions

**What is causing the expected rise in global food prices?**

The FAO attributes the rise to wars in Iran and Ukraine, the El Niño weather phenomenon, and rising fuel and fertiliser costs. These factors are expected to reduce crop yields and increase production costs, leading to higher consumer prices by the end of 2026 and into 2027.

**How much could U.S. farmers lose in 2027 without federal assistance?**

The U.S. Farm Bureau estimates that farmers could lose $32 billion in 2027 without federal aid. The estimate is based on projections that every major crop will remain below breakeven, as reported by HuffPost.

**Which outlets reported that food prices had already reached a three-year high?**

The Financial Post reported that global food prices had hit a three-year high in July due to supply fears. Other outlets, such as HuffPost, focused on the FAO’s projection of future price increases rather than immediate rises.

**What did the FAO say about the impact of El Niño on food security?**

The FAO warned that El Niño’s impact on rainfall patterns could push tens of millions into acute food insecurity. The delay in India’s monsoon and below-average rainfall were cited as risks to rice production, as reported by HuffPost.

---

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