What the FAO identifies is the combined effect of rising prices along with rising input costs. That includes the cost of energy to run farms, process food and transport it. At least as significant is the cost of fertilizer. The global market for nitrogen-based fertilizer has been dominated by Russia. ( ① ) The FAO highlights Russia’s choice to put limits on exports, so prices surged. ( ② ) Energy and fertilizer were the main drivers behind a 58% increase in the cost of internationally traded inputs to farming during last year – a rise on some very low energy prices in the first year of the pandemic. ( ③ ) The FAO reports that import bill has risen a further 21% this year, to $348bn. ( ④ ) The big recipients of Russian fertilizer have been Brazil, the European Union and India. ( ⑤ ) Measured by Russian fertilizer imports per hectare of arable farmland, the four countries that have made most of use of it are an odd assortment: Malaysia, Costa Rica, Slovenia and, above all, Ireland.