Wheat harvests around the world are falling dangerously short, raising the possibility that Israel will be poised to be a guiding light in this developing crisis, helping the world grow crops while bringing them closer to redemption.

Massive shortages in the wheat crop became obvious as farmers recently began harvesting the winter yield. Winter wheat, accounting for 70-80 percent of the total annual harvest, dropped 38 percent from last year in the US. Prices on wheat futures are soaring as concern grows over where the country’s bread will come from.

The shortage in America is part of a global trend. The Ukraine, once considered Europe’s breadbasket, is harvesting 7 percent less than last year, a downward progression that has continued for several years. Overall, European countries and Canada saw a similar drop in the harvest of cereal crops this year.

A quick survey of the situation reveals that the potential for famine is quite real. The harvest in the US was the lowest it has been in 108 years. Kansas, which accounts for 40 percent of the wheat grown in the US, was especially hard hit, with its recent harvest falling over 35 percent short of last year’s levels. The US, the largest exporter of grain for many years, was replaced last year by Russia, and with the situation intensifying, has not returned to its former status. In the meantime, harvests in Russia and Europe are declining as well.

Rabbi Avraham Arieh Trugman, director of Ohr Chadash Torah Institute, sees this crisis as a necessary step compelling the world to move forward in the unfolding process of redemption.

“These difficulties are opening the way for the world to connect to Israel,” Rabbi Trugman explained to Breaking Israel News. “This is clearly positioning Israel to lead redemption and a light unto the nations. We know from the prophets that in the end-of-days the whole world will come to Israel to dispel darkness.”

To illustrate his point, the rabbi cited Isaiah.

For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but upon thee Hashem will arise, and His glory shall be seen upon thee…Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: they all are gathered together, and come to thee. Isaiah 60:2-4

Rabbi Trugman believes that the Jewish state is perfectly positioned to help in this area.

“Modern Israel is a leader in agricultural technology and water management,” he pointed out. In fact, Israel, one of the world’s smallest and most arid nations, produces almost 70 percent of its own food requirements. Over the past 25 years, agricultural output has increased sevenfold with hardly any increase in the amount of water used. Its agricultural innovations have been adopted by countries all over the world.

“This is not just a scientific achievement, but it is also the modern emergence of a prophetic blessing from Isaiah,” noted Rabbi Trugman.

The wilderness and the parched land shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice…it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice, even with joy and singing…they shall see the glory of Hashem, the excellency of our God. Isaiah 3:1-2

“Whether God is purposely guiding this situation or whether it is man-driven mismanagement of resources, the end result is the same as we see nations around the world drawing closer to Israel,” Rabbi Trugman said.

“At first, they will turn to Israel to be a light to help with these issues. After they are friends with Israel, they will be open to our spiritual light.”