Weather Impacts UK Harvest; Raises Food Prices

The summer of unusually wet weather has created a large impact on British crops that is going to lead to heavy increases in food prices.

The National Farmers Union announced that wheat yields in the country are down almost 15% lower than the country’s five-year average. The British Retail Consortium said that food prices, already high due to the drought in the U.S. and a heatwave in Russia, which lowered corn and wheat production. Continue reading

World Food Prices Up 1.4% In September

World food prices rose an average of 1.4% during September according to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization. The senior economist at the FAO stated that food prices are likely to remain high.

The fear of food shortages due to drought hitting grain crops in the US, Europe and Asia continued after the FAO stated they predict a 2.6% decrease in cereal production. The decrease is smaller than expected due to higher amounts of wheat and rice offsetting the loss of corn crops. Continue reading

Food Prices Skyrocket Due To Weather

Food prices worldwide have jumped due to unusual weather patterns. Prices jumped 6% in July. The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization food price index measures price changes for a basket of food including cereals, dairy and meat. The July index, while higher, is still below the all-time record in February 2011.

The FAO released a report for July when they normally avoid issuing a report. The given reason was the “exceptional market conditions” that the drought in the USA, excessive rains in Brazil and production problems in Russia have caused in the world supply. Continue reading

Millions Lost In Fish Kill

The drought in the Midwest is taking a toll on more than just farmers as rivers are drying up & water temperatures have risen to levels as high as 100 degrees.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported that about 40,000 shovelnose sturgeon were killed last week in water as hot at 97 degrees. Illinois biologists are reporting tens of thousands largemouth and smallmouth bass died due to the torrid conditions. Continue reading

Somalia Facing “Hunger Emergency”

Save The Children has issued a statement saying that drought and continuing conflicts in Somalia threatens the recovery from famine in the country.

The charity group says an “urgent increase” of aid is needed to the region because most families in Somalia are still unable to deal with the effects of the ongoing drought. East Africa had the worst drought in 60 years in 2011 and the drought conditions continue. Attacks by Islamic terrorist groups are also weakening the food supply. Continue reading