Triple-dip La Nina may further heighten supply issues in global agriculture markets

The ongoing La Nina climate phenomenon may extend into its third year in a rare event to become what is called a triple-dip La Nina. This is likely to extend the uncertainty currently prevailing across agriculture markets as supply estimates for various food commodities faltered this year, largely driven by weather adversities in top producing countries. Prices of wheat, corn and soybeans have remained volatile with an upward edge. Weather, although not the only factor, has been a major driver of these volatilities. La Nina is likely to continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2022-23, with a 91% chance in September-November and decreasing to a 54% chance in January-March 2023, making it the first triple-dip La Nina of this century, according to latest forecasts. The phenomenon has varying impacts on agriculture across the globe and it particularly impacts Brazil, Argentina, the US and Australia — key suppliers of corn, soybeans and wheat. Corn, soybeans in Brazil The ...