FAO´s outlook for agricultural development during the decade 2010 - 2019 portends higher prices of products and agricultural commodities.
The average crop prices over the next ten years for commodities is projected to be higher than the levels of the past decade, before the 2007 – 2008 peak, both in real and nominal terms (adjusted for inflation).
It is projected that the average price for wheat and grains will be about 15% to 40% higher in real terms compared with the 1997-2006 period, while real prices for vegetable oils is expected to be 40% higher. World sugar prices for 2019 will also be above the average of the previous decade, but well below the 29 year record experienced in late 2009.
The donations will reinforce government institutions and assist in regional integration.
This was informed by Rafael Señán Llarena, spokesperson for the European Commission. He detailed where the money will go: $8.4 million for regional integration, $35.1 million for the Justice department, $44.87 million for food safety, and $2.6 million for Cicig, the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala.
In the face of starvation in the country, President Alvaro Colom declared a "state of public calamity".
The declaration enables the country to access international aid and make use of resources from the national budget with less paperwork, clarified President Colom.
"He declared that there is enough food in the country, but the poorer families, some 51% of Guatemala's 13 million inhabitants, don't have resources to buy it".