The prospects for global cereal production this year are generally favorable, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). World cereal production is forecast to increase 4.3 percent to a record 2 082 million tons. However, many countries are in crisis due to significant crop losses and low yield. In many parts of southern Africa total maize production remains about the same as last year’s below-average crop. Prospects are good in eastern Africa, following above-average to bumper first season crops in the region.

Record 2007 main season maize crops are being gathered in South America, where planted area increased in response to strong demand, largely for ethanol production in the United States. A good wheat crop is being harvested in Mexico, while in Bolivia, severe weather has caused extensive losses to agriculture, livestock, and other assets, threatening the food security of rural communities.

The FAO press release is available at http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000533/index.html..