Global Scans · Food & Agriculture · Weekly Summary

• [New] The global appetite for protein-enriched food and drink products is accelerating, and consumers across all sectors expect an enhanced eating and drinking experience that moves far beyond the chalky texture and flavour compromises once associated with protein fortification. CNS Media
• [New] The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy allocates EUR 86.3 billion annually from 2023-2027, with EUR 12.8 billion specifically targeting organic and low-input farming systems. Discovery Alert
• [New] A new Hailia survey of 1,512 consumers in the UK, Sweden, and Germany finds growing acceptance of food products made from seafood sidestreams, signaling fresh opportunities for processors to turn underutilized raw materials into mainstream, value-added foods. SeafoodNews
• [New] The possible onset of El Nino conditions from mid-2026 could disrupt agricultural cycles, water availability and crop yields, adding uncertainty to food inflation projections, especially for weather-sensitive staples. Pakistan Today
• [New] Small biotechs weigh options under tariff threats; Lilly's new GLP-1 drug appeals to patients in maintenance phase; Meat sales go up in the U.S. MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media
• [New] A prolonged crisis in the strait, which Iran has closed in retaliation for the United States and Israel's war, could lead to a global food catastrophe. Al Jazeera
• [New] A protracted Strait of Hormuz crisis could lead to a global agri-food catastrophe, triggering rising food prices and lower crop yields. CNS Media
• [New] Global agriculture is highly exposed to the waterway blockage, risking higher commodity prices and food inflation. Al Jazeera
• [New] Continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a global agri-food catastrophe. CNS Media
• [New] The future of plant breeding will increasingly integrate genetics, biotechnology and advanced data analysis to accelerate the development of more productive, resilient and sustainable crops capable of addressing climate change and global food security challenges. Seed World
• [New] Potato research continues to be a major focus for Farming Smarter, as officials say they will participate in multiple potato-related trials, including a collaborative project with McCain Foods. Lethbridge News Now
• [New] APs could be more resilient to supply chain shocks than conventional agriculture. Nature
• [New] Protecting the future of agriculture and ensuring global food security will require not only building on-farm resilience but also ... a decisive transition away from a high-emissions future, the UN agencies conclude. UN News
• [New] Risks are balanced, with a favorable global environment - including stronger dairy / meat exports and a softer NZ dollar-offsetting oil shocks and prior China / US trade worries; vigilance remains on second-round inflation effects. IC Your Trading Edge | Official Blog | Blog
• The U.S. bioeconomy in food, agriculture, and manufacturing, based largely on sustainable proteins through fermentation and cultivated meat, is projected to reach $416 billion by 2030, supported by innovations that could create thousands of jobs and enhance food security. IFF
• Population growth increases food demand, and rising global living standards, particularly the adoption of protein-rich diets, are projected to drive a 2% compound annual growth rate in global protein consumption through 2050. SpringerLink
• Looking further out, a Boston Consulting Group estimate suggests that alternative proteins, including cultivated meat, could account for roughly one tenth of global protein consumption by 2035. Climate Cosmos
• The severe scenario assumes infrastructure damage to Middle Eastern energy facilities, oil at $110 in 2026 and $125 in 2027, gas prices tripling, and food costs rising 5-10%. The Rio Times
• The disruption of fertilizer and its inputs further exacerbated food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world, adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from fuel, transportation and supply chain disruptions. UNOG
• A prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could result in a global food catastrophe, the Food and Agriculture Organization has warned, as shipments of critical agricultural inputs remain blocked in the key waterway due to the US-Israel war on Iran. Al Jazeera
• Nearly half of the world's traded urea - the most widely used fertiliser - and large volumes of other fertilisers are exported from Gulf countries via the Strait of Hormuz, making global agriculture highly exposed to any disruption there. Al Jazeera

Last updated: 28 April 2026