The increased cost of energy, rising demand for biofuels, the waning US dollar and trade shocks pertaining to restrictive exports, panic purchases, and unfavorable weather caused the 2007-8 food price crisis, according to a preview of a think tank's study to be released early next month.
"Future food price crises can be prevented," said Shenggen Fan, director general of the International Food Policy Research Institute, according to commodityonline.com. He and Derek Headey, IFPRI research fellow, co-authored "Reflections on the Global Food Crisis", which will be released on December 1.
The authors advise that additional crises can be averted by securing agricultural commodity trading, confronting long-term threats to agricultural productivity, increasing safety precautions in countries where food runs the risk of being insecure and encouraging reliant countries to embark on becoming independent by producing their own agriculture, according to the report.
The report also debunks additional reasons as the most prominent causes of the crisis. Among the reasons fitting in this category are rising economies in India and China issuing demands that were too strong, failing agricultural yields, and speculation about the performance of market futures.
"On China and India, the evidence is now unequivocal: they weren't buying up the world's grains," co-author Headey said.
Risk Disclosure
This material is conveyed as a solicitation for entering into a derivatives transaction.
This material has been prepared by a Daniels Trading broker who provides research market commentary and trade recommendations as part of his or her solicitation for accounts and solicitation for trades; however, Daniels Trading does not maintain a research department as defined in CFTC Rule 1.71. Daniels Trading, its principals, brokers and employees may trade in derivatives for their own accounts or for the accounts of others. Due to various factors (such as risk tolerance, margin requirements, trading objectives, short term vs. long term strategies, technical vs. fundamental market analysis, and other factors) such trading may result in the initiation or liquidation of positions that are different from or contrary to the opinions and recommendations contained therein.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or commodity options can be substantial, and therefore investors should understand the risks involved in taking leveraged positions and must assume responsibility for the risks associated with such investments and for their results.
Trade recommendations and profit/loss calculations may not include commissions and fees. Please consult your broker for details based on your trading arrangement and commission setup.
You should carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances and financial resources. You should read the "risk disclosure" webpage accessed at www.DanielsTrading.com at the bottom of the homepage. Daniels Trading is not affiliated with nor does it endorse any third-party trading system, newsletter or other similar service. Daniels Trading does not guarantee or verify any performance claims made by such systems or service.
