OECD and FAO express concern towards food security
By Melissa Coon
© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
Additionally, the report predicts global agriculture output to grow more slowly over the next decade. Nevertheless, it remains on track to meet the market demand of estimated population levels in 2050. Countries like
Although the world produces enough food to feed its population, recent price spikes and the economic crisis have contributed to a rise in hunger and food insecurity, according to the report. It is estimated that about one million people are undernourished. Higher food costs will weaken food security, especially for the poor.
The report identified price volatility as a key concern for policy-makers, due to a disturbance in agricultural commodity markets. Yet, the report adds the extent to which world price fluctuations are transmitted to domestic markets varies across the country.
The OECD and FAO remain positive, yet cautious towards the future of food security.
“The agriculture sector has shown resilience to recent price shocks and the economic downturn,” said OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria. “On the whole, this year’s outlook is cautiously more positive than in recent years. But going forward, governments should implement measures to ensure that farmers have at their disposal better tools to manage future risks, such as production contracts, insurance schemes and future markets.”
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