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UN Head: Drop Policies That Up Food Prices

Ban urges global response to avert mass starvation

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 2, 2008 8:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will plead with world leaders at a food summit in Rome tomorrow to suspend trade restrictions, agricultural taxes, and other price controls that have helped create the highest food prices in 30 years, reports the Washington Post. Ban will also urge the US and other countries to phase out subsidies for food-based biofuels, such as ethanol, which have added to the spike in food costs.

The primary goal of the food summit will be to deliver assistance to the world's hungriest and to guarantee that subsistence farmers across the globe will have seeds and fertilizers they need to plant their crops this season. World Bank President Robert Zoellick last week offered $1.2 billion in financing for agricultural support, including $200 million in grants to help the world's poorest nations.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. (Getty Images)

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. (Getty Images)

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UN Head: Drop Policies That Up Food Prices

Ban urges global response to avert mass starvation

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Let's Chow Down on the Food System

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Ban warns of further riots, starvation if high prices aren't contained

World Bank Offers $1.2B in Food Aid

Millions at risk of starvation

Food Prices May Force Cuts in Farm Subsidies

Normally 'untouchable' price supports at risk in Congress

Ethanol Guzzles 25% of US Corn; Links Food, Fuel Prices

Switch to corn-based fuel links grain and energy prices

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UN Head: Drop Policies That Up Food Prices

Ban urges global response to avert mass starvation

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

food • United Nations • agriculture • Robert Zoellick • farmer • food prices • Ban Ki-moon

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Let's Chow Down on the Food System

Open letter to prez candidates calls for overhaul—now

UN Chief Urges 50% Boost in Food Production

Ban warns of further riots, starvation if high prices aren't contained

World Bank Offers $1.2B in Food Aid

Millions at risk of starvation

Food Prices May Force Cuts in Farm Subsidies

Normally 'untouchable' price supports at risk in Congress

Ethanol Guzzles 25% of US Corn; Links Food, Fuel Prices

Switch to corn-based fuel links grain and energy prices

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?