What's New
Featured blog
Guarding Against Excessive Price Volatility: Improving Food Security by Estimating Returns
The daily global news continues to be inundated with stories of rising food prices, and accompanying rises in poverty and hunger. Recent droughts in China have been added to the list of factors driving food prices, specifically commodity prices, up around the world. Policymakers are now faced with decisions regarding the appropriate response to these increases.
GIEWS Releases Latest Global Food Price Monitor
The Global Information and Early Warning System has released its Global Food Price Monitor for March 2011. Access the full report at FPMA Bulletin: Monthly Report on Food Price Trends. Volume 2011 (fao.org)
Input Markets
The structure and behavior of agricultural input markets, such as fertilizer or seed markets, can have significant regional and global effects on agricultural development and, thus, food security. Prohibitively high costs and other constraints can limit the use of beneficial inputs and lead to decreased agricultural productivity, which can negatively impact farmers as well as consumers. On the other hand, input producers may benefit from higher prices.
Global Food Prices Still on the Rise; FAO Releases Food Price Index for February
Global food prices increased for the eighth consecutive month in February, according to the FAO Food Price Index. With the exception of sugar, prices of all agricultural commodities continue to rise, bringing the Price Index to its highest level on record. In particular, the FAO expects a sharp decline in cereal stocks in 2011 due to increased global demand and decreased production. Export prices of major grains have risen 70 percent since February 2010.
To view the full report, visit FAO - News Article: World food prices reach new historic peak
FEWS NET Releases Latest Monthly Price Data
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), funded by USAID, has released its latest monthly price watch detailing staple food prices for February 2011. These reports provide food security updates for 25 countries vulnerable to food insecurity, focusing on impacts on livelihoods and markets. These updates can help policymakers recognize and mitigate potential threats to food security.
Download the latest reports below. For more information regarding FEWS NET, please visit www.fews.net .
Files: