The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) twice yearly issues its “Food Outlook” report for the world, presenting data on food production, trade and prices. Its June 10 report focused on the terrible situation for food-import dependent, low income countries. The FAO forecasts a 20% rise in the costs of food for the roster of nations listed as “Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries.” [http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb4479en/]
Overall, the total cost this year of food imports worldwide, including freight, is forecast to be up 12% over last year, but the poorest countries are hit the hardest. The FAO gives the world figures of total value of food traded at $1.715 trillion, and last year at $1.530 trillion.
