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GLOBAL SUPPLY CRUNCH SPARKS FOOD INFLATION

Innovative agricultural solutions are needed as war wreaks havoc on global food system

    MustGrow Biologics Corp.

    CSE:MGRO; OTC:MGROF

    A WORLD HELD HOSTAGE 

    Global experts, including crop nutrient leader Nutrien Ltd., are predicting a severe food crisis largely driven by Russia’s war on Ukraine and its accompanying fertilizer and food supply squeeze.  Putin is seemingly levering key crops and crop inputs to hold the world hostage.  Russia and its ally Belarus had produced approx. 37.6% of potash, an integral crop nutrient input, in 2020, according to Natural Resources Canada. Sanctions against both Russia and Belarus, coupled with the Ukraine conflict have destabilized and bottle-necked the major regional Black Sea shipping ports.

    Significant disruptions of food and fertilizer exports from the region have already contributed to food shortages and increased fertilizer (and agricultural commodity) prices.  Additional strain is anticipated, with many experts believing we’re on the precipice of a global food crisis.  The decline in Russian potash exports is estimated at 25-50% since late February.

    The fertilizer shortage impact will be felt with lower crop yields and higher costs passed along to consumers, adding inflationary pressures to an already tumultuous food inflation situation.

    FOOD SUPPLY CALAMITY 

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has threatened global food supplies, as production and shipping disruptions plague key crops and fertilizers, compounding into a potential global hunger crisis.  Ukraine and Russia account for more than 10% of all agricultural calories traded globally, largely via wheat, corn, and sunflower oil exports – now those shipments have virtually ceased.  Commodity analysts are predicting that even if the war were to end tomorrow, shortages could persist for months.

    Outside of the conflict region, governments have taken protective steps to retain their own food supplies, a move likely to accelerate food inflation.  For example, Hungary, Indonesia and Argentina have each imposed trade barriers on agricultural exports in an effort to ease local food prices and secure food supplies.

    WARNING FROM UNITED NATIONS

    Food inflation now appears to be an all-out global crisis, surpassing even the blow from Covid-19 and driving millions into potential food shortage.  Wheat, corn and rice – 40% of all calories consumed – have fallen victim to rising shipping costs, energy inflation, extreme weather and labor shortages. The Russia-Ukraine war has been surging commodity prices higher, putting staple grains out of affordable reach for millions.  The United Nations has warned that record-high global food costs (already up more than 40% over the last two years) could surge another 22% as Russia’s assault on Ukraine halts trade and mars harvests.

    PROTECTING OUR CROPS AND FOOD

    Agriculture is poised for a surge of sustainable innovation driven by a growing population, consumer demand, war, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, climate change and adverse weather conditions. 

    As some particularly harmful agricultural chemistries are removed from the marketplace, the need for safe and effective naturally-derived products is acute.  At MustGrow Biologics, we have harnessed the mustard seed’s natural defense mechanism for treatment of diseases, pests, and weeds for both crop protection and postharvest food preservation.  The active ingredient in our mustard-based approach has a positive soil health and environmental impact.  It’s no surprise that healthy soil produces more robust plant yields which capture and store more carbon. 

    We’ve been aggressively advancing our pipeline with Janssen PMP (of Johnson & Johnson), Bayer, and Sumitomo Corporation, our recently-announced global partners.

    FEEDING THE WORLD

    It’s estimated that by 2050 there will be more than 9 billion people on this planet – some 2 billion more people to feed.  The combination of population growth and changing diet will require roughly double our current number of crops (National Geographic, 2020).  The mainstream rise of organic food consumption, plant-based protein, pesticide-free produce and non-GMO products are not merely trends – these are transformational shifts in how food is grown and consumed.  The development of safe and effective biologicals (to replace or complement chemicals) will be critical for future food security and environmentally-sustainable agriculture.  Even more so now during a time of crisis.  

    Sincerely,
    The MustGrow team

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