In paper production, starch is used to improve paper strength. It is also used to improve the flow and workability of some industrial powders and chemicals. On the industrial side, manufacturers use it as an adhesive, binder, and filler. In food production, starch is used to thicken soups and sauces, to give texture to baked goods, and to bind ingredients. In addition to providing a source of energy and nutrition, starch serves as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and raw material for bioproducts. Starch is an important carbohydrate found in many widely available plants, such as corn and potatoes, and it is a key ingredient in a number of industrial products. Overall, it does not appear that there is currently a global starch shortage, but it is important to remain aware of the challenges different countries are facing due to climate change and to work towards finding solutions for adequate food supplies for all. In these countries, rising temperatures can leave the food supply vulnerable to a potential shortage of important staples such as starch. This is especially true in developing countries with lower capabilities to address climate change. As temperatures and other weather conditions increase, starches such as corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice – which are all important crop sources of starch – have become more vulnerable to drought and heat. That being said, in recent years starch shortages have become increasingly likely for some countries due to climate change. This finding largely reflects a record corn harvest in 2019. In 2019, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that the US had feed grain and starch stocks to meet current demand and expected supplies of starch to remain at adequate levels. At this time, there does not appear to be a global starch shortage.
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