FAO
GIEWS Foodcrops and Shortages
Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture

No.1, February 2005



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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture
Commodities and Trade Division - FAO - ROME
Telex: 610181 FAOI - Fax: 39 06 5705 4495
Email: [email protected]

DEFINITIONS:

"Countries Facing Food Emergencies": Refer to an exceptional shortfall in aggregate food supplies or a localised deficit as a result of crop failures, natural disasters, interruption of imports, disruption of distribution, excessive post-harvest losses, other supply bottlenecks and/or an increased demand for food arising from population movements within the country or an influx of refugees. In the case of an exceptional shortfall in aggregate food supplies, emergency food aid may be required to cover all or part of the deficit.

"Unfavourable Prospects for Current Crops": Refer to prospects of a shortfall in production of current crops as a result of a reduction of the area planted and/or adverse weather conditions, plant pests, diseases and other calamities which indicate a need for close monitoring of the crops for the remainder of the growing season.

"Purchase and distribution of localized or exportable surpluses, requiring external assistance": Refers to a situation of exceptional surplus in a particular area of a country, which needs to be transported to deficit areas in the same country or the neighbouring countries, and for which purpose external assistance is required.

NOTE: This report is prepared on the responsibility of the FAO Secretariat with information from official and unofficial sources. Since conditions can change rapidly and information may not always represent the current crop or food supply situation as of present date, further enquiries should be made before any action is taken. None of the reports should be regarded in any way as statements of governmental views.

Enquiries may be directed to Henri Josserand, Chief, Global Information and Early Warning Service, Commodities and Trade Division, (ESC), FAO, Rome (Telex: 610181 FAO I, Direct Facsimile: 39-06-5705-4495, E-mail: [email protected]).


The designations employed and the presentation of material in this bulletin do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.