UN Food Agency Faces Funding Gaps Amid US Aid Cuts, Experts Warn

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is confronting significant financial challenges as the United States reduces its foreign aid contributions, prompting calls for other countries to increase their support. Phil Hogan, the former European Union trade and agriculture commissioner and a leading candidate for FAO director-general, emphasized the importance of sustained funding to maintain global food safety and disease control efforts.

During an interview in Singapore, Hogan highlighted that with the US scaling back commitments, particularly through dismantling the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the FAO’s ability to monitor food security risks and respond effectively is at risk. He urged member states to fill the funding void to uphold the agency’s critical programs.

USAID was once the largest humanitarian donor worldwide, but under recent US policy shifts, its role has diminished, impacting the financial health of international organizations. This has led to a broader struggle for resources among UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs, complicating efforts to track and mitigate emerging food crises.

Chris Barrett, an agricultural economist at Cornell University, explained that decreased funding limits early warning systems and reduces aid to vulnerable populations facing rising food costs. This reduction in support can exacerbate hunger and potentially trigger social unrest as governments fail to secure adequate food supplies for their citizens.

Current data from the World Health Organization and the UN World Food Programme reveals that over 25% of the global population experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2025, with more than 266 million people enduring acute hunger this year. These figures underscore the urgency of sustaining international food security initiatives.

Geopolitical tensions also contribute to the precarious food situation. Hogan noted that conflicts near the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing war in Ukraine are factors that could lead to widespread food crises by 2027. The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy and fertilizer shipments has been highlighted by disruptions caused by regional conflicts, which threaten agricultural production and economic stability, especially in low-income countries.

The war in Ukraine has severely disrupted wheat exports through the Black Sea, a key route for global grain supplies. This disruption has intensified inflation and weakened economic growth in countries reliant on these imports. Additionally, a forecasted strong El Niño weather pattern threatens to further destabilize agricultural output worldwide by affecting rainfall and temperature patterns.

Food security analyst Chris Newton from the International Crisis Group warned that the world is entering these compounded risks with diminished capacity to anticipate and respond. "We are heading into this blind and with one hand tied behind our back," he said, referring to the current limitations in global monitoring and intervention capabilities.

Hogan is advocating for reforms within the FAO to adapt to tighter budgets, including relocating staff closer to regions experiencing severe food shortages. He also calls for enhanced cooperation with other UN bodies to maximize efficiency and impact. Reflecting on the Black Sea Grain Initiative — a multilateral effort to resume Ukrainian grain exports — Hogan pointed out that the FAO was not sufficiently engaged despite the importance of the issue for global food security.

The FAO’s more prominent involvement in such initiatives could improve coordination and response times in future crises. Hogan’s platform stresses the need for increased attention and quicker action in resolving food supply disruptions worldwide.

Despite these concerns, some experts remain cautiously optimistic. Ian Mitchell, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, noted that current global grain reserves remain strong compared to past periods, and commodity markets do not yet indicate an immediate shortage. He suggested that even with a significant El Niño event, the conditions have not reached the threshold of a global food emergency.

Nonetheless, the combination of geopolitical conflict, climate variability, rising interest rates, and reduced donor funding presents a complex challenge for global food security efforts. The coming months will test the international community's ability to maintain vigilance and respond to emerging threats amid constrained resources.