Wheat, grown on more than 200 million hectares of land worldwide, is a source of food and livelihoods for over one billion people in developing countries. This important commodity has been greatly affected by recent soaring food prices. Wheat prices have doubled in the last year, largely as a result of severe drought, the high cost of fuel and an increased demand for grains. In addition, plant disease has placed further constraints on wheat production. Exacerbated by climatic stress, especially in rainfed areas, the impact of disease is expected to increase.

The beneficiaries of this Programme are the most vulnerable wheat growers and consumers in East Africa, Near East and Asia in particular. Governments and policy-makers in these countries will directly benefit from the Programme’s enhancement of their abilities to develop and implement contingency plans allowing for quick response to and early rehabilitation in present and future wheat rust crises. Through its Wheat Rust Disease Global Programme, FAO is promoting global action in an attempt to prevent a potential wheat production crisis. The Programme’s goal is to contribute to global food security through the prevention and management of emerging wheat rust diseases and the enhancement of wheat productivity. To achieve this goal, FAO is working in close collaboration and partnership with national governments, International Agricultural Research Centres and other international institutions.