FAO/GIEWS - Food Outlook No.2

Data are obtained from official and unofficial sources. For cereals, production data refer to the calendar year in which the whole harvest or bulk of harvest takes place. For sugar, production data relate to the October/September season. For vegetable oils and oil meals derived from oilseeds, production data refer to the year in which the bulk of the seeds concerned are crushed. For trade in wheat and coarse grains, the time reference period is normally the July/June marketing year unless otherwise stated. Trade data for rice and other commodities refer to the calendar year. Coarse grains refer to all other cereals except wheat and rice. Quantities are in metric tonnes unless otherwise stated.

In the presentation and analysis of statistical material, countries are sub-divided, where appropriate, into the following two main economic groupings: "Developed countries" (including the developed market economies and the transition markets) and "Developing countries" (including the developing market economies and the Asia centrally planned countries). The designation "Developed and "Developing" economies is intended for statistical convenience and does not necessarily express a judgement about the stage reached by a particular country or area in the development process.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication 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.

Food Outlook is issued by FAO under the Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture. It gives a concise analysis of information affecting the situation and outlook for basic foodstuffs. The release dates and contents in 2000 are as follows:

1/ These dates are tentative and refer to the release of the English version. Food Outlook in Arabic, Chinese, French and Spanish language is available shortly after the release of the English version.

2/ Including update on food emergencies. 3/ Each report may include topical notes as considered appropriate.

This month's issue is based on information available up to 31 March 2000. Contributors to this issue are as follows:

Cereal Production (excl. rice): S. Ahmed (Eastern Africa & Near East); Ms. L. Balbi (Southern Africa and Great Lakes); M. Bamba (North Africa & Oceania developing); Ms. M. Drysdale (CIS); S. Jost (Western and Central Africa); M. Gavela (Latin America and Caribbean); A. Markanday (Asia); P. Racionzer (Europe, North America & Oceania developed)

Rice: S. Mbabaali; Cassava: Ms. A. Coccia; Milk and milk products: M. Griffin ; Fertilizers: J. Poulisse

ENQUIRIES should be directed to Mr. Abdur Rashid, Chief, Global Information and Early Warning Service, Commodities and Trade Division (ESC), FAO - Rome. Direct Facsimile: 39-06-5705-4495; E-mail [email protected]).

Please note that this and other GIEWS reports are available on the Internet as part of the FAO World Wide Web at the following URL address: http://www.fao.org/giews/. In addition, some of the GIEWS regular reports can be received by E-mail through automatic mailing lists. More information is available on the Web at: http://www.fao.org/giews/english/listserv.htm

Issue No.	1	2	3	4	5
Release Date^1/	14 February	10 April	12 June	18 September	13 November
Contents
Cereals
Cereal supply/demand roundup^2/
Cereal production, trade, stocks & prices
Extended report on cereal utilization
Food Aid
Ocean Freight Rates
Other Commodities
Cassava
Fertilizer
Fish
Meat
Milk and milk products
Oilseeds, Oils and Oilmeals
Sugar
Special Features^3/

FAO/GIEWS - Food Outlook No.2 - April 2000 p. 17

STATISTICAL NOTE