May 3
By Sung Lee
Today's top stories on global agricultural development and food security issues.
Food Outlook: Global Market Analysis, FAO, May 2012
Global food prices seem to have stabilized at a relatively high level of around 214 points as measured by the FAO Food Price Index. Although the outlook for the second half of this year and into the next indicates generally improved supplies, demand remains strong and global food import bill in 2012 is expected to fall only slightly from the 2011 record.
Poll: US voters support funding UN health efforts, The Hill, May 3
Nine in 10 U.S. voters say it's important for the United States to support the global health efforts of the U.N.'s World Health Organization, according to a United Nations Foundation/Better World Campaign poll released Thursday. The poll found that 89 percent of respondents believe the United States should be supportive of U.N. programs that improve access to vaccines and maternal healthcare.
World Food Prices moved lower in April, Wall Street Journal, May 3
World food prices fell in April following three consecutive months of gains, pressured by declines in sugar, dairy and cereal prices that offset increases in oils and meat, the United Nations’ FAO said, but it warned that soybeans and corn could still drive prices higher later this year.
Pan-African trust fund to tackle food security, Food Navigator, May 2
An African-financed, FAO directed trust fund will provide resources needed to drive sustainable food production across the continent and the oil sector will play a crucial role, according to FAO’s director-general. The FAO will now engage in consultations with involved nations to draft a detailed proposal of the fund for final approval of participating member states.
Kenya: New EU support to strengthen food security among vulnerable mothers and children, European Union, May 2
EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, announced new support to address food security in Kenya, which is often affected by recurrent drought. Up to €40 million will be dedicated to nutrition, water supply and livelihood support. Mothers and children will be in particular focus of this initiative, as they are the first victims of drought and hunger. The funding comes as a part of the new €250 million EU initiative, called "Supporting Horn of Africa Resilience", to support the people in the Horn of Africa to recover from the recent drought and to strengthen the population and regional economy to better withstand future crises.
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