Global grain output increase struggles to suppress grain prices, FAO makes its assessment
FAO says global grain output increase will not suppress food prices
(Agricultural Wealth Network) According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), international food prices have fallen significantly from the historic highs of two years ago, but wheat and corn prices rose in October this year, and rice export prices remain far above pre-crisis levels.
FAO pointed out that although global grain harvests were abundant in 2009, food prices in poor countries remain high. 31 poor countries need emergency assistance.
FAO said that abundant global grain harvests do nothing to lower food prices in poor countries, and for poor people who spend 80% of their expenses on food, the food price crisis is still not over.
This year North Africa's wheat output set a new historic record, but this will not lead to a decline in the number of poor people in other regions. In East Africa, this situation is especially severe, because drought and conflict have left about 20 million people in need of food assistance.
In Asia, FAO warned that since July, the 2009 rice production outlook has deteriorated, with weak monsoon rainfall in India and some other countries, and natural disasters in some areas, causing severe damage to rice crops.
FAO pointed out that although global grain harvests were abundant in 2009, food prices in poor countries remain high. 31 poor countries need emergency assistance.
FAO said that abundant global grain harvests do nothing to lower food prices in poor countries, and for poor people who spend 80% of their expenses on food, the food price crisis is still not over.
This year North Africa's wheat output set a new historic record, but this will not lead to a decline in the number of poor people in other regions. In East Africa, this situation is especially severe, because drought and conflict have left about 20 million people in need of food assistance.
In Asia, FAO warned that since July, the 2009 rice production outlook has deteriorated, with weak monsoon rainfall in India and some other countries, and natural disasters in some areas, causing severe damage to rice crops.