Fertilizer and food shortage

Story blames skyrocketing food prices partly on the increased cost of synthetically produced fertilizer, which it calls a central ingredient in modern agriculture. What’s fueling the increase? Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is produced using natural gas, for one. And the rush to grow crops for fuel is putting increased demand on short supplies of the stuff. The article mentions a recent U.N panel recommendation calling for alternatives to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and other unsustainable farming practices, but questions the efficacy of employing such strategies. Full story