FAO estimates that by the end of 2019 the production of grain in the region will be 29.8 million tons, below the average volume reported in the last five years.
The decline in the volume harvested will be because of the rainfall deficits that this year affected grain crops in most countries, reported the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The FAO Food Price Index continues to show a slow upward trend for the third consecutive month.
From a statement issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization:
The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) averaged 151.8 points in April 2016, up 1.1 points (0.7 percent) from March, but almost 10 percent below its April 2015 level. A relatively strong rise in vegetable oil quotations coupled with a more modest gain in international prices of cereals more than offset a decline in dairy and sugar prices. The small increase in April represented a third month of gradual rise in the value of the FFPI.
The FAO food price index rose slightly in March due to sharp increases in prices of sugar and palm oil.
From a press release by the Food and Agriculture Organization:
The FAO Food Price Index* (FFPI) averaged 151.0 points in March 2016, up 1.0 percent from February, but almost 21 points (12.0 percent) below its March 2015 level. The main feature last month was the strong rebound in sugar prices, which, combined with a further increase in vegetable oil quotations, more than offset a plunge in dairy values. International prices of the other commodities used in the calculation of the FFPI changed little.
The FAO Food Price Index averaged 150.2 points in February 2016, nearly unchanged from January, but 14.5% below February 2015.
From a statement issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization:
The FAO Food Price Index* (FFPI) averaged 150.2 points in February 2016, nearly unchanged from January, but 25.6 points (14.5 percent) below February 2015. The most outstanding development last month was a surge in vegetable oil quotations, which, along with a small recovery in meat prices, more than offset declining cereal, sugar and dairy prices.
In Nicaragua for every cultivated hectare, 39 kilos of fertilizer are used, in Panama the figure is 50 kilos, in Honduras, 58, in Guatemala, 97, in El Salvador, 135, and in Costa Rica, 264 kilos.
The study "State of the Global Food and Agriculture", by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), details not only the use of fertilizer per hectare in Central America, but also the proportion of the value added in agriculture in each country.
A website is registering and maintaining information on the incidence of rust fungus and coffee berry borer in the region.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica:
As part of an Early Warning System for coffee rust, the FAO presents in Costa Rica "SATCAFÉ"; a website which will allow technicians, producers and any entity in the coffee sector (project participants), to access information regarding the incidence of coffee rust and coffee berry borer.
The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2014-2023 report forecasts a fall in agricultural prices, while ground is gained in livestock production and biofuels.
Cereals remain the staple food, but greater quantities of protein, fat and sugar are being consumed in many parts of the world due to increasing income and urbanization.
In light of the emergence of the TR4 strain in Asia, Africa and the Middle East recommendations have been made to take preventive measures in cultivations of the crop in Latin America.
From a statement from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation:
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has urged countries to intensify supervision, information and prevention of one of the most destructive diseases for banana cultivation in the world, Fusarium wilt (or Fusariosis), which recently spread from Asia to Africa and the Middle East, and could potentially affect Latin America.
On 22nd and 23rd of May next year the second edition of the trade fair dedicated to businesses in the agricultural sector will be held in San Pedro Sula.
From a press release issued by Agromercados.hn:
The second edition of Agromercados-Honduras 2014, will be held on 22nd and 23rd May 2014, at Expo-Center San Pedro Sula, in which the Organizing Committee has organized the participation of national, regional and international buyers, 150 exhibitors, 500 business meetings, 20 Lectures, given by experts renowned nationally and internationally on issues such as: Agricultural Health, Agribusiness, Finance, Marketing and others.
Interactive internet tool covers 55 countries - including Centralamericans - shows food prices locally have yet to fall.
As part of its response to high food prices, FAO has developed an interactive database of staple food prices on national markets in 55 developing countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
The National Basic Food Prices Data and Analysis Tool shows the prices of different food commodities in local currencies or dollars and local measurements as well as standard weights. It allows for price comparisons between domestic and international markets, between different markets in the same country, as well as between countries.
Interactive internet tool covers 55 countries - including Centralamericans - shows food prices locally have yet to fall.
As part of its response to high food prices, FAO has developed an interactive database of staple food prices on national markets in 55 developing countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
The National Basic Food Prices Data and Analysis Tool shows the prices of different food commodities in local currencies or dollars and local measurements as well as standard weights. It allows for price comparisons between domestic and international markets, between different markets in the same country, as well as between countries.
Food security of Panama and other Central American countries will be guaranteed with the support of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Implementing a regional program, the FAO will distribute seeds, tools and machinery to Central American countries to promote agricultural production, Panamanian Agriculture Development Minister Guillermo Salazar said Monday.