A new report from the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) argues that strengthening regional and local food systems could help countries reduce exposure to food price volatility caused by geopolitical disruptions, trade conflicts, and supply chain shocks.
The report, The New Geopolitics of Food: Navigating Policies for Resilient Self Reliance, examines how recent events, including wars, trade disputes, climate related disruptions, and rising market concentration, have affected global food markets. According to the authors, global food prices remain more than 35% higher than 2019 levels, while the global food import bill reached a record $2.2 trillion in 2025.
The report argues that countries heavily dependent on imported food, fertilizer, feed, and energy are particularly vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions. In response, researchers recommend greater investment in regional processing capacity, local supply chains, food reserves, and domestic agricultural production.
Industry groups have increasingly emphasized regional food infrastructure as a means of improving market access while reducing dependence on distant suppliers.
While international trade remains an essential component of global agriculture, the report suggests that balancing global commerce with stronger regional food networks may help improve food system resilience and reduce the impact of future market disruptions.
Sources: Clapp, J., et al, (2026), The New Geopolitics of Food: Navigating Policies for Resilient Self Reliance, International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food). Food Manufacture, (2026, May 14), Food experts call on governments to take action on spiralling food prices. Euro Coop, (2026, May 11), New IPES-Food Report Examines How Geopolitical Tensions Are Reshaping Global Food Systems. Agricultural and Rural Convention (ARC2020), (2026, May 14), What’s Food Sovereignty Got to Do with It? The New Geopolitics of Food.