Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: Price Volatility a Key Challenge for Global Food Security

By Nathan Stevens
October 14, 2011
 
A recent global food security conference at McGill University in Montreal looked at the issue of feeding a hungry world from a number of different angles. At the heart of the conversation is the incredible challenge that agriculture faces as the human population soars towards nine billion people by 2050. One of the key factors in the discussion was the impact of food price volatility in the developing world.
 
The volatile situation of the last number of years has been good for some and bad for others, including smallholder farmers. For smallholders that are able to produce enough for their families and have some left over to sell, the rise in prices had a positive effect. For those unable to produce enough for themselves, the rise in prices has had a negative impact.
Another key factor in price volatility is the issue of food item substitution. When a food item rises sharply in price in North America, consumers generally have plenty of replacement options for that item. For example, if the price for chicken is too high, consumers may choose to buy more pork. However, in the developing world access to food substitution choices are more limited, which means that cheaper food substitution options aren’t there when the price of a single item spikes. When a staple item skyrockets due to a wide variety of factors, these areas of the world are less able to cope.
 
Parallels were drawn between Africa today and the situation in Southeast Asia 30 to 40 years ago. There are remarkable demographic and economic parallels between the two regions. Food price volatility and talk of a food crisis rose sharply. Back then, the Green Revolution was able to provide the boost in farm productivity needed to provide enough food for much of the world, and the clamor about food shortages faded out of circulation. Today, the talk of a food crisis is on the rise again and there are new challenges in feeding a hungry world. Moving forward, the challenges facing agriculture are different from those of the past, but agriculture is willing to take them on.
 
Providing global food security is an incredible challenge for farmers around the world. Food price volatility is just one of many factors that influence food security and the impact of this volatility is experienced far more acutely in developing countries. Ultimately, farmers and industry will bear the burden of meeting this challenge.
 
Nathan Stevens is the Research and Policy Advisor for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and UCB Canada radio stations in Chatham, Belleville, Bancroft, Brockville and Kingston. It is also archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,200 family farmers across Ontario.

Views: 56

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Winter Wheat Variety Yield and Market Share Data – 2025

Winter wheat data from the 2024-2025 Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Trials (MCVET) is in! This data provides farmers with unbiased information regarding regional variety performance, allowing for variety comparison. Data was derived from small plot replicated trails from locations across Manitoba. Fungicides were not applied to these plots; thus, true genetic potential can be evaluated. Although considerable data is collected from MCVET, the disease ratings are from variety registration data. Table 2 below summarizes the yield results from the 2025 MCVET data by trial location. The yield results represent 2025 data only; therefore long-term trends should be considered when making variety selection decisions. Previous yield data can be found in past editions of Seed Manitoba. As well, apart from yield, there are other variety characteristics to consider when making variety selection decisions, these include disease, insect, and lodging resistance. Check out this Manitoba Crop Allianc

Connecting the Farm Gate to Parliament Hill

The parliamentary summer recess left many questions unresolved as issues of trade, taxation and economic competitiveness took centre stage. While Ottawa was quiet, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) was active in the field, using the summer months to connect directly with producers and show policymakers the real-world impact of federal decisions on grain farming. In August, we travelled from Manitoba through Saskatchewan and into Alberta on the annual GGC Summer Tour. Over five days and over 2,000 kilometres, the tour provided an opportunity to walk fields, see crop conditions firsthand and visit the operations of directors and members. Each stop highlighted both the diversity and the shared challenges of grain farming, from crop rotations and new varieties to high input costs, weather extremes and market volatility. The tour also created a platform to connect with local Members of Parliament and the media. MP Colin Reynolds joined us near Steinbach. MB, for a tour of Manitoba Crop Allian

Harvest Surges Ahead — But is Quality Holding Up?

Warm and dry conditions have been pushing harvest along across Alberta, with 42% of all crops now in the bin, according to the new crop report. That’s ahead of both the 5-year (40%) and 10-year (32%) averages. Most regions are running above their long-term pace, though the South is slightly behind its average despite being furthest along overall. Regional Progress South: 52% complete — still leading the province, though below the usual 65% average. Rye, winter wheat, and peas are nearly finished. Grasshoppers, gophers, flea beetles, and ergot have been spotted in some fields. Central: 31% complete versus a 42% average. Dry peas are nearly done at 89%, with canola swathing in full swing. North East: 41% complete — well above the usual 22%. Rye and winter wheat are already finished. North West: 41% complete, ahead of its 24% average. Cereals are nearly wrapped up, and canola harvest is just starting. Gopher numbers are running high. Peace: 38% complete, ahead of the 21% average. Peas a

Jaylor launches advanced 6000 Series TMR mixers

Jaylor unveils its 6000 Series TMR Mixers featuring quicker mixing, lower horsepower needs, and enhanced durability, helping farmers cut costs and improve feeding efficiency starting October 1, 2025.

From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara

The 2025 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is coming to West Lincoln in the heart of Niagara. With the theme “From our Farm to your Table,” this year’s IPM promises a vibrant celebration of agriculture, local heritage, and rural life.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service