This is the second issue of the Review of basic food policies, which covers policy developments in production, consumption marketing and trade of cereals, oilseeds and livestock products during the period 2001-2002. The policy information contained in the report is taken from country responses to FAO questionnaires and from publicly available sources. The period under review was marked by several significant developments, particularly the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Ministerial...

The outlook for cereal supplies in 1998/99 has improved slightly, following upward revisions for the 1998 wheat and coarse grains harvests. Global cereal production in 1998 is now estimated at 1 880 million tonnes, just below the anticipated consumption requirements in 1998/99. Global stocks would have to be drawn upon, but very slightly, and would remain within the minimum safe range for world food security. Serious food emergencies afflict several...