Food prices rose by six per cent in July, says FAO
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farmer carrying sugarcane
Food prices went up by six per cent in July after three months of decline, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The FAO Food Price Index, which measures the monthly change in the international prices of food commodities, says the sharp increase was mostly driven by a surge in grain and sugar prices.
Gerry Adams reports.
FAO says that the severe deterioration of maize crop prospects in the United States, following extensive drought damage, pushed up maize prices by almost 23 percent in July.
July also saw a sharp increase of 12 per cent in the price of sugar, ending a steady fall since March.
It says that was triggered by untimely rains which hampered sugar cane harvesting in Brazil, the world's largest sugar exporter.
The agency adds that concerns about India's delayed monsoon and poor rains in Australia also contributed to the price increases.
By contrast, says FAO, there were little changes in international prices of meat and dairy products.
Gerry Adams, United Nations.
Duration: 46″
