food shortages

Will the U.S. face food shortages in 2022? This question is on the minds of a lot of people

If you’ve been following current news and events, you’ve no doubt heard a lot of conjecture surrounding the topic of food shortages in the United States. While a few people think severe shortages aren’t likely, there is evidence suggesting that major food shortages will occur here in 2022.

Biden admits to upcoming food shortages

Leading government and food distribution leaders have made recent statements suggesting food shortages are on the horizon.

“It’s going to be real,” President Biden said of war-related food shortages at a recent meeting of global leaders, “because both Russia and Ukraine have been the bread basket of Europe” for wheat.

The forecast for global food shortages is dire, affecting primarily countries already suffering from hunger. But food-rich areas like Europe and the United States could be affected as well.

The 2022 agriculture outlook

There are several big uncertainties surrounding the global economy in 2022, all of which could seriously affect agricultural output. While the Ukraine conflict takes up much of the headlines, trade tensions between the United States and other countries are likely to impact global trade, and this could further lead to higher food costs. There are major concerns about the global food supply, as a number of key crop production areas are experiencing difficulty meeting future demand.

Causes of U.S. food shortages in 2022

Any significant food shortages in the United States in 2022 will be caused by a variety of factors, including drought, flooding, supply chain disruptions, military conflict, and pandemics. These shortages will combine to impact food prices, food availability, and food accessibility.

It’s no secret that that the U.S. is currently facing some huge agricultural challenges, including a decline in crop production due to droughts and rising fertilizer costs.

But not only crops are affected. The U.S. is facing a decline in livestock production, particularly poultry due to the recent bird flu with millions of chickens and turkeys being culled.

In addition, the U.S. is also experiencing a decline in food importation, which means that the country is increasingly relying primarily on domestically produced food. If these trends continue–which definitely appears likely–major food shortages could well become a reality in 2022.

According to investigative journalist Leo Hohmann, “Unless American farmers produce a bumper crop this fall, the rampant food price inflation will continue to intensify, driving prices up even faster and leading to more shortages on the store shelves heading into late 2022 and 2023.”

How do global supply chain issues affect the U.S. food supply?

The globalization of the food sector has had a gigantic impact on the U.S. food supply, as it has introduced new sources of food and new transportation routes that have impacted prices and availability.

Supply chain issues can lead to delays in food arriving on shelves, and rotting produce that doesn’t make it to the stores in time.

Food spoilage and supply chain issues are widespread in industries where perishable goods are handled, such as food service and retail. Poor storage, refrigeration, and shipping practices can easily lead to food going bad prematurely, which can create public health risks as well as food shortages.

Why are there global supply chain delays 2022?

The global supply chain delays of 2022 are mostly due to a lack of manufacturing capacity, but also a lack of workers. This affects many industries, including agriculture production.

There are a variety of reasons why global supply chain delays can happen, including problems with obtaining components or obtaining necessary approvals from regulators. Also, a global supply chain is a lot more complex than a company’s local supply chain, making it more challenging to get products to market in a timely manner.

Will the Ukraine war affect the cost of living?

The Ukraine conflict will no doubt have an affect on the U.S. cost of living, particularly as the current situation remains uncertain and volatile, and threatens to expand to other countries. Most experts agree that the global economy is already straining under the weight of deep structural changes, and further economic volatility could lead to higher prices for goods and services – particularly squeezing the already-pinched working class.

What should you do to get started with long-term food storage?

The best way to protect your family against food shortages is by stocking up on food.

To get started with long-term food storage, start small by stocking up on staple foods and canned goods that will last for several months or even better for a year or more. Once you have a good base of supplies, you can start adding in items that are specific to your family’s needs. Freeze-dried meals and pre-made snacks are convenient choices but may not be the most cost-effective options.

Best foods for long-term food storage

The best foods for long-term food storage are those that are shelf stable with a long life. Some of the best foods that are good choices for long-term food storage include canned goods, freeze-dried food, and dehydrated food.

Start a garden to provide your own food

Many people feel overwhelmed at the thought of how to provide for their family in times of shortage.

Starting a home garden is one of the best options. You can grown some of your own food even in small yards or patios, giving you at least some degree of food independence.

Final thoughts on U.S. food shortages

The U.S. appears to be facing a “perfect storm” of supply chain, weather challenges, geopolitical instability, pandemics, and inflationary pressures, all of which may combine to create serious food shortages in the near future.

Now is the time to get prepared, stocking up on shelf-stable foods to get you and your family through the difficult times that may lay ahead.