Runaway grain prices demand policy solutions, IFPRI
2011-05-26 15:20:41
Better policies, new agricultural research and techniques, and social investments are crucial to safeguarding global food security as grain prices are expected to rise by 48% on 2000 levels by 2025, says the IFPRI.
Modelling by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) indicates a projected rise in crop yields, food prices, and child malnutrition through 2050 and beyond.
“Even without climate change, the prices of rice, maize, and wheat are projected to increase by 25 percent, 48 percent, and 75 percent, respectively, by 2050, in a business-as-usual scenario,” it says.
“Although the threats to food and nutrition security are very real, these outcomes are by no means inevitable,” said Mark Rosegrant in a speech at the 2011 Ag Innovation Showcase in the US this week.
“The myriad challenges underscore the importance of agricultural research, better policies, new technologies, and social investments to feeding the world’s burgeoning population while protecting critical natural resources.”