Nelly Bassily | June 29, 2009
One year ago, global food prices were at an all-time high. The dramatic price hike for staple foods such as rice and bread made it more difficult than ever for people to feed their families. In many countries, protesters took to the streets. Some governments took action to protect food stocks and subsidize food.
Now, there are reports that global food prices have fallen. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development prepared a joint report with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization entitled Agricultural Outlook: 2009-2018. The report found that food prices have been falling since June 2008. The price drop is attributed to the global economic downturn.
Food prices are expected to increase over the next 10 years, but not nearly as quickly as they did in 2008. The exception is beef and pork. It’s predicted that the price of these meats will drop in years to come.
-To access highlights of Agricultural Outlook: 2009-2018, visit: http://www.oecd.org/pages/0,3417,en_36774715_36775671_1_1_1_1_1,00.html.
-To read a report by UN Integrated Regional Information Networks on why it’s still difficult for many Africans to afford food, go to: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=84930.
-To revisit the FRW’s special edition on the food crisis (Issue #21, May 2008), go to: http://weekly.farmradio.org/topic/frw-issues/issue-21/.