FOODGRAINS-Narrowing Margins of Security

Narrowing Margins of Security Janina Gomes THE margin of security in the world supply of cereals may decrease by the mid-80s because of increased demand and lower supplies. The international cereals market which has had to cope with over-supply pressures arising from over-production in the past 20 years will have to adjust to increased demand pressures from the food importing countries in the 80s. World demand will be in the range of 130-180 million tonnes by 1985. The major exporting countries, mainly OECD countries, have used policy instruments to cut production. The US as the major producer and exporter has used policy instruments with varying degrees of success to take land out of cereal production