Food Crisis due to Prices

Corn shortage is adding to the already existing shortage of bean. Escalating international prices are threatening millions of poor Central Americans.

Monday, February 7, 2011


©image: América Economía

January global data shows that food prices continue to rise and are already surpassing the 2008 prices.

And while the Central American economies are benefiting in part by the increase, for example by increasing revenues from coffee and sugar exports, they have not secured supply of basic traditional consumer products such as wheat, corn and beans; the basic foods of poor population. The already high prices are worsened by poor harvests due to bad weather.

Trying to improve the situation, the governments of the region are lowering tariffs, controlling prices and granting subsidies, but they are running the risk to convert these remedies in something worse than the original problem.

More on this topic

Agricultural Prices in Central America

February 2012

A report for January 2012 has been released showing Central American prices of wholesale agricultural products and retail prices of petroleum products.

The report by the Central American Economic Integration Secretariat reveals that:

In November 2011 compared to October of the same year shows

Aid offered in food crisis

May 2008

The Inter-American Development Bank on Tuesday announced a $500 million line of credit for Central America in hopes of heading off food-price unrest.

Trying to get ahead of potential unrest because of rising food and energy prices, the Inter-American Development Bank on Tuesday announced a new $500 million line of credit for six Central American nations and the Dominican Republic.

Grain Prices Rise in Guatemala

March 2012

In the past three months, the price per quintal of white corn has risen by 3.5% and black beans by 2.6%, reaching $17.38 and $60.75 respectively.

"The highest grain price was reported in the eastern and western regions at Q150 ($19.31) per quintal, in southern and central areas it has risen from Q120 ($15.44) and Q125 ($16.09) to Q130 ($16.73), and in the north from Q100 ($12.87) to Q115 ($14.80)," reads an article on Prensalibre.com.

Agricultural Prices in Central America

February 2012

A report has been released detailing wholesale prices of agricultural products in Central America and retail prices of petroleum products.

In December 2011 compared to November of that year, there were increases in the prices of a kilo of white corn ($0.01), tomatos ($0.03), onions ($0.04) and beef ($0.01).

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