The below is attributable to Spokesperson Rebecca Chalif:
On June 14, Administrator Samantha Power met with CEO of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) Albin Hubscher to discuss the adverse effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global fertilizer prices and availability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Administrator Power discussed ways in which USAID, through the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative, is addressing impacts on global hunger, poverty, and malnutrition. The Administrator and Mr. Hubscher discussed emerging challenges facing the fertilizer sector as a result of the current crisis, and actions that are needed to mitigate reduced yields in the coming planting seasons and maintain agricultural productivity in regions most at risk of fertilizer shortages. The Administrator also discussed ways in which the donor community could mobilize multilateral efforts to address this challenge quickly.
Mr. Hubscher discussed efforts that the IFDC, a science-based public international organization and a USAID implementing partner, is taking or planning to take to mitigate higher fertilizer prices and supply disruptions for smallholder farmers, including scaling work to improve soil health for more efficient fertilizer use.