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ROME - THE world is on the brink of a new food crisis, the United Nations said yesterday, as global food imports this year will top US$1 trillion (S$1.3 trillion) for the second time in history.
In addition, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has also warned that the world should brace itself for even higher prices next year.
The predictions from the FAO are fuelling further fears about spiralling inflation in emerging countries from China to India.
'Prices are dangerously close to the levels of 2007-08,' said FAO senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian.
In 2008, the price of cereals reached historic levels, sparking a food crisis and riots in a number of African countries, as well as in Haiti and the Philippines.
Food import bills are expected to rise by 11 per cent globally this year and by 20 per cent for low-income food-deficit countries, the FAO said.
In addition, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has also warned that the world should brace itself for even higher prices next year.
The predictions from the FAO are fuelling further fears about spiralling inflation in emerging countries from China to India.
'Prices are dangerously close to the levels of 2007-08,' said FAO senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian.
In 2008, the price of cereals reached historic levels, sparking a food crisis and riots in a number of African countries, as well as in Haiti and the Philippines.
Food import bills are expected to rise by 11 per cent globally this year and by 20 per cent for low-income food-deficit countries, the FAO said.
