Industrialization of China increases fragility of global food supply

Global grain markets are facing breaking point according to new research by the University of Leeds into the agricultural stability of China.

Experts predict that if China’s recent urbanisation trends continue, and the country imports just 5% more of its grain, the entire world’s grain export would be swallowed whole.

The knock-on effect on the food supply – and on prices – to developing nations could be huge.

Sustainability researchers have conducted a major study into the vulnerability of Chinese cropland to drought over the past 40 years, which has highlighted the growing fragility of global grain supply. Increased urban development in previously rich farming areas is a likely cause.

…”These trends of urbanisation are also happening in India, with the population predicted to keep on rising until at least 2050. Ultimately the limiting factor for grain production is land, and the quality of that land.”

EurekAlert