Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
the Caribbean has the lowest share of targets on track for fulfillment (13%), compared to 19% in South America and 18% in Central America and Mexico. Some 45% of Caribbean targets show stagnation or regression — the highest share among the three subregions — reflecting structural vulnerability compounded by global geopolitical fragmentation.
the region is on track to meet only 19% of the 2030 Agenda targets at the current pace — down from 23% estimated the previous year. Some 42% of targets are advancing in the right direction but too slowly, while 39% are stagnant or regressing compared to 2015.
FAO's Maximo Torero warns that high fertilizer costs and prolonged conflict may force farmers to cut inputs and plantings. A 20% reduction in fertilizers could slash yields by 25%, as costs now consume half of smallholder budgets.
Vegetable oil prices increased 5.1% in March, marking a third consecutive monthly rise, while sugar prices jumped 7.2% to their highest level since October 2025. Both increases are linked to rising energy costs driven by the Iran war and disruptions to Gulf trade infrastructure.(Ground News, 2026)
FAO's Food Price Index rose 2.4% in March 2026, reaching its highest level since September of the previous year. The increase reflects the impact of higher energy costs linked to the Iran war, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and pushed crude benchmarks close to USD 120 per barrel.
60,000 people in Haiti's central region are without access to WFP food assistance due to gang violence. 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are at risk of food insecurity.
Nearly 40% of Haitians survive on less than $2.15 daily, and experts warn the fuel hike will force 'impossible tradeoffs' regarding basic services and food access for already struggling families.
On April 2, 2026, Haiti's government announced a 37% increase in diesel prices and 29% in gasoline, triggering street protests in Port-au-Prince. With gangs controlling an estimated 90% of fuel distribution, the price hike is compounding an already severe food security crisis.
Natural gas prices, the main input for fertilizers, increased by up to 50%, driving up the cost of the sector (Agrolatam, 2026).
Prices for nitrogen fertilizers in the US market have risen by more than 30% in recent weeks (Agrolatam, 2026).
