SHARP RISE in World Food Prices Expected

World food prices continued to rise sharply in December, bringing them close to the crisis levels that provoked shortages and riots in poor countries three years ago, according to newly released United Nations data.
Prices are expected to remain high this year, prompting concern that the world may be approaching another crisis, although economists cautioned that many factors, like adequate stockpiles of key grains, could prevent a serious problem.
Complete Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/business/global/06food.html?_r=1