United Nations Radio

The consequences of soaring food prices -- starvation, malnourishment, riots and unrest -- are hitting millions of people around the world. The causes of the current crisis are complex, but the effects on people are clear, as is the need for solutions. The United Nations is among those taking the lead in responding to this challenge.~

Episode 5: Trade restrictions and agricultural subsidies

As prices of basic food commodities, such as wheat and rice nearly doubled over the past year, many countries instituted trade bans or restrictions, aimed at protecting their own food supply. This only served to increase prices on the global market, as the demand from importing countries exceeded the supply.

On the other hand, domestic agricultural subsidies in industrialized countries previously kept global food prices low, making it cheaper for developing countries to import food than to invest in growing their own crops. Now that prices of their staple foods have gone up, they are unable to afford them.

Producer: Bissera Kostova

(duration: 11'50")