• Food production uses nearly 15% of global fossil fuel demand, says IPES-Food
• Fertilizers, plastic packaging, and transport tie food security to oil and gas markets
• Experts urge agroecology, food system reforms, and reduced fossil fuel reliance

The global food supply remains deeply linked to fossil fuels, from fertilizers to food packaging and transport, according to the “Fuel to Fork” report released on June 25 by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food). The 88-page study highlights the world’s dependence on fossil energy for food production and explores ways to break free from it.

Key Numbers

Worldwide, food systems account for nearly 15% of global fossil fuel demand, through the use of agrochemical inputs, food processing, packaging, and distribution.

IPES-Food estimates that agriculture and food systems are responsible for around 40% of global petrochemical consumption, mostly for plastic packaging and synthetic fertilizers. Fertilizer production is the largest consumer of fossil fuels within agriculture.

The report shows that one-third of petrochemical production goes toward making nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizers. In total, at least 3.5% of global plastics are used for food production and 10% for food and beverage packaging. Furthermore, 99% of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are derived from fossil fuels.

Impact on Global Food Security

The close link between food systems and fossil fuels leaves global food supply vulnerable to market shocks. The energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted ammonia production, a key component for nitrogen fertilizers, due to rising natural gas and coal prices.

Natural gas accounts for more than 50% of nitrogen fertilizer production costs. The spike in energy prices triggered higher fertilizer prices, driving up global food costs and increasing hunger risks for millions of people.

According to the United Nations, nearly 50% of the world’s population relies on crops that depend on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers. More recently, Egypt’s fertilizer plants shut down temporarily after Israeli gas supplies were suspended, pushing urea prices up by 20% since mid-June.

Pathways to Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence

The report confirms that global food systems can transition away from fossil fuels, though it will be a difficult process.

Since 1961, the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers has increased by 800% and is projected to grow another 50% by 2050 as the world population approaches 10 billion.

In response, the agro-industry promotes alternatives like "blue" ammonia fertilizers, synthetic biology, and digital farming tools to limit climate impacts. However, IPES-Food warns these solutions remain costly, energy-intensive, and risk reinforcing dependence on fossil fuels, chemicals, and industrial production models.

The report noted that backed by powerful coalitions of fossil fuel companies, agribusiness, and tech firms, these approaches delay real change and weaken public control over food and energy systems.

Instead, the experts recommend structural reforms, including promoting agroecology to cut dependence on agrochemicals, diversifying crops, and rebuilding local food supply chains.

The report also calls for dietary changes to promote healthier eating and reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods, which require energy-intensive production.

Finally, the panel urges measures to reduce food waste, accelerate the energy transition, democratize food systems, and cut plastic consumption by scaling up reuse systems and holding companies accountable.