UN urges change in U.S. biofuel policy to avoid food crisis

The United Nations’ food agency stepped up the pressure on the United States on Aug. 10 to change its biofuel policies because of the danger of a world food crisis, arguing the importance of growing crops for food over their use for fuel. Global alarm over the potential for a food crisis of the kind



World powers weigh emergency meeting on food prices

Leaders want to avoid grain export embargoes that factored 
into global shortages and political instability in 2008.

Leading members of the Group of 20 nations are prepared to trigger an emergency meeting to tackle soaring grain prices caused by the worst U.S. drought in half a century and poor crops from the Black Sea bread basket. France, the United States and G20 president Mexico will hold a conference call at the end


Canadian farmers cash in on U.S. drought

After spring floods drowned his seeding plans two years straight, Walter Finlay is harvesting what looks to be an average or slightly better crop of wheat and canola. “Average” will do just fine this year. The worst drought in a half-century in the U.S. Midwest has scorched corn and soybean crops, igniting grain and oilseed

Annual food safety reminder

Many of us have fond memories of family picnics and outdoor cooking from childhood. All you needed was a blanket and some food and you could set up a picnic on your lawn, at a park or even in the living room in the winter. Today, grills are prominent features on most patios and decks.



Heat waves emphasize need for retooled climate research

A major heat wave and drought has sent world grain prices skyrocketing for a second of three summers suggesting it is time to address supply through repurposed climate research. Tackling high food prices among the leading G20 nations has so far bent on fixing demand issues, including grain trading, export bans and the role of