Our advice as geopolitics takes its toll on our plates

In just a few days, dark clouds have appeared on the horizon. Food will find itself at the crossroads of recent geopolitical, economic and regulatory decisions. These decisions will progressively impact our global agri-food system and your autonomy. In the very short term, we can expect a definite impact on fuel prices, with the whole chain likely to be affected.

When the crisis with Iran will have a direct impact on your shopping basket

The tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz once again highlight how heavily our economy depends on oil. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne crude oil is transported through this strategically vital chokepoint (see U.S. Energy Information Administration). Recent reports show that security warnings and military escalation have already led to major disruptions in shipping traffic. CNBC reports that container shipping giants have suspended operations through the strait and rerouted vessels, while The Conversation analyses how even without a formal blockade, rising threat levels are enough to halt tanker traffic. Al Jazeera also details the potential consequences for global oil prices and energy markets.

However, oil is not just fuel for vehicles. It affects transport chains, fertilizer production, agricultural machinery, and the energy supply of greenhouses. As the Center for American Progress highlights, energy costs can account for up to 50% of total variable costs in food production. Rising energy prices thus drive up production costs along the entire food chain — a direct factor behind price volatility and economic uncertainty.

✅Ouradvice: plan ahead to stock stock for long-life with a long shelf life seeds and, above all, plan your greenhouse installation quickly.

Mercosur: a European agreement against the advice of citizens and farmers

Beyond the energy question, international trade agreements also affect our food sovereignty. The EU-Mercosur Agreement between the European Union and the South American states of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay provides for far-reaching tariff reductions. As the Atlantic Council reports, EU member states voted to approve the deal despite objections from several countries — including France — that raised concerns over its impact on domestic agriculture. Slow Food analyses how the agreement introduces substantial concessions for agricultural imports, raising fears of unfair competition with EU farmers who must comply with more stringent standards.

Especially in times of rising energy and production costs, increased global competition can place an additional burden on regional farms. Food sovereignty therefore does not mean isolation, but rather the ability to maintain relevant production capacities within one’s own economic area.

✅Our advice: keep up the pressure on your MPs, sign petitions and, above all, buy local!

Agricultural Policy Between Competitiveness and Sustainability

In parallel, agricultural policy decisions at the European level are in the spotlight. Debates on pesticides, production standards, and environmental regulations illustrate the tension between economic competitiveness and ecological responsibility. The European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food addresses these challenges, while organizations like PAN Europe continue to push for ambitious pesticide reduction targets.

These regulatory developments influence production costs just as much as market prices — and thus the stability of our food supply.

✅Our advice: Pay attention to transparent quality and sustainability labels, and diversify your sourcing to reduce dependencies.

Growing your own becomes a strategic act.

Energy crisis, free-trade agreements, national reforms: these dynamics show that our food depends on decisions taken far from our kitchens. The more globalized the system, the more sensitive it is to external shocks.

In this context, producing part of your own food at home takes on a new dimension. A Myfood greenhouse can produce up to several hundred kilos of fruit and vegetables a year, as well as fish in aquaponics, on an optimized surface area. Based on an average basket of organic fruit and vegetables valued at between €4 and €6 per kilo, the annual value of production can represent several thousand euros. As detailed in our analysis ” Make my Myfood greenhouse profitable in less than 5 years “, the investment can be amortized in less than five years, depending on use, volumes produced and food price trends.

In a context of sustained inflation, this timeframe can even be shortened: as prices rise, so does the value of what you produce yourself. The greenhouse thus becomes not only a tool for food self-sufficiency, but also a concrete form of protection against energy, commercial and regulatory volatility.

In an uncertain world, growing food at home is no longer just a lifestyle choice. It’s a resilience strategy. For your autonomy, it’s now or never!