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Central America: the Challenge of Food Security, Human Development, and Economic Growth
Authors: Eugenio Diaz-Bonilla and Maximo Torero
An abridged version of this article was originally published in the Spanish-language press in Guatemala.
Upcoming Conference to Highlight Food Security in Central America
Global and regional experts will meet in El Salvador on September 10-11 to discuss new ways to enhance food and nutrition security in Central America.
Alert: Central American Coffee Growers Facing Rust Epidemic
Coffee crops throughout Central America are being hit hard by a widespread fungal infection known as coffee leaf rust. The outbreak of the disease, which begins by attacking the leaves and can eventually kill the entire coffee plant, could lower the region's total coffee harvest by as much as 20 percent in 2013. The loss is expected to reach a whopping US$600 million in value.
GIEWS Global Food Price Monitor Released
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.
FEWS Food Price Watch Sees Declining Rice Prices, Tight Wheat and Maize Stocks
In its latest Monthly Food Price Watch, FEWS NET reports that global rice production for 2012/2013 is expected to be the highest on record. Global soybean production prospects also improved with a 10 percent increase for 2012/2013; however, strong global demand is expected to keep soybean and soybean oil prices high. While global wheat prices remain high, production is only expected to decline by six percent. However, trade policies in key wheat exporting countries could exert further pressure on prices.