What's New

At the World Summit of Food Security in 2009, the definition of food security was expanded to include nutrition as a critical component of the overall concept of food security. Despite increased recognition of the importance of nutrition, however, many Arab countries continue to struggle with malnutrition, particularly among children.

The latest edition of the GIEWS Global Food Price Monitor reports that international cereals export prices remained stable in October. While wheat prices experienced some upward pressure due to trends in Australia and Ukraine, this was offset by favorable planting conditions for US winter wheat. Similarly, rice prices remained stable, falling only 1 percent from September. Maize prices also fell marginally based on slowing trade activity and progress of the US harvest.

The FAO released today its Food Price Index for November. The Index fell slightly in October to 213 points, largely due to lower international prices for cereals, oils, and fats. The report also finds that for the first 10 months of 2012, international food prices were on average eight percent lower than during the same period in 2011.

The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) has released the third edition of its monthly Market Monitor . The report examines global agricultural market and price trends.

This third edition finds that the global supply and demand balance for wheat and maize continues to tighten; however, the balance for rice and soybeans is easing. Wheat forecasts have been impacted in recent weeks by unfavorable weather in several winter-wheat growing areas in the northern hemisphere. Conflicting reports regarding Ukraine's proposed wheat export ban have also complicated the market.

On November 4, the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the USAID-funded Bangladesh Policy Research and Strategy Support Program (PRSSP) and IFPRI, launched a new program designed to fill gaps in knowledge surrounding the country's food security and agricultural sector. The Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU) will build capacity for critical policy research within the country and will provide evidence-based recommendations for short-term, medium-term, and long-term policies.