Page last updated at 07:04 GMT, Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:04 UK

The cost of food: Facts and figures

Explore the facts and figures behind the fluctuating price of food across the globe.

Graphic

Line graphs showing rising food prices 2005-07 and price rises by food type, 2007

Cereal prices surged in year to March 2008

Map showing projected change in global balance of trade
Rising prices will improve the trade balance of major food exporters, but major importers stand to see a greater deficit

Graph
Figures from the Commodity Research Bureau and the FAO show a take off in energy prices, before food prices start to rise

Graphic showing world population growth 1950-2050
There will be billions more mouths to feed by 2050, making an increased demand for food a long-term trend

Graphic showing change in Chinese meat consumption and pressure on water resources driven by wheat and beef production

Map showing projected change in global balance of trade
Rising prices will improve the trade balance of major food exporters, but major importers stand to see a greater deficit

Graphic showing share of biofuels in increased demand for coarse grains and vegetable oil




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