Why Food Shortages Are Coming to the United States in 2012

There are several things that will precede a major food shortage, and can be used as a signal to take action quickly to protect yourself and your family.

First of all, Rising Commodity Prices. As prices of corn, rice, wheat and sugar start to steadily increase to all time highs, then it is time to watch the news more closely. Many food suppliers may allow their inventories to run down until they think that the prices are coming down, but if they don't, it will be a sudden food shortage for these items.

Second, Rising Oil Prices. Whether it is a steady increase in the cost of a barrel of oil (and also the price at the gas pump) or unrest in the Middle East that threatens to shut down the export of oil from the Persian Gulf region, dramatic increases in oil are a key to precipitating a food shortage. Remember, oil is needed for fertilizer, pesticides, farm tractors and harvesters, transportation to the factories and manufacturing, plus transportation to your grocery store.

Third, Fears of Global Financial Collapse. If the stock markets are in turmoil because of economic uncertainty, then the entire supply chain from the raw materials of commodities to the factories to the transportation network that brings food to your grocery store can be jeopardized.

To those watching the signs and preparing, it won't be as much of a surprise. However, it will all come down very quickly. That is because Food Shortages are driven by fear and the "herd mentality." Like crazed shoppers on Black Friday, swarms of people will even cause Food Riots in their frenzy to get the last can of soup before someone else does.

It could be the news of the global economic collapse that sets it off, or hyperinflation that causes rising food prices, or a sudden war in the Middle East that causes the price of oil to skyrocket. Whatever the catalyst is, those caught unaware will suffer.

There are certain items that we all know are important to have on hand in case of a short power outage or a snowstorm or the like. Staples like bread, eggs, milk, etc. But what if the Global Financial Collapse leads to chronic food shortages?

You will want to have on hand non perishable goods like dry milk, canned goods, rice and dry beans, along with the spices and ingredients to dress up these otherwise bland, long term storage foods.

Don't forget to stock up on things like batteries, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and medications. The main thing is that you need to have a well thought out plan, designed with the help of someone who has either lived through food shortages or seen the first hand.

In the Weimar Republic in Germany, there was a riot where mounted police tried to calm the crowds. The police were knocked off their horses and the horses were butchered in the street, with people running away with chunks of meat. Desperate people will do desperate things.

A similar financial collapse happened in Argentina in 2001. These are not backward, 3rd World countries, but rather both were highly industrialized, developed nations. Americans may think that they are immune to food shortages, but the writing is on the wall.

In addition to securing food for your family, there is a lot to know about Urban Survival Techniques to keep your family safe.