Robbin S. Johnson’s research while affiliated with Cargill, Incorporated and other places

This paper examines world food prospects in terms of shifting market forces, arguing essentially that freer trade in agricultural and industrial commodities would make a powerful contribution to enhanced food security. The author acknowledges the importance of other factors affecting the world grain economy but focuses on four: production, consumption, exports and carryover stocks. To combat the situation arising from the impediments to adjustment caused by inflexible farm and trade policies, the author proposes several food security options: increased grain production in developing countries to keep up with population growth; increased earning power in developing countries to offset detrimental effects of temporary grain price rises; increased adjustment of consumption in industrial nations to match fluctuating supplies so that the full burden does not fall on the poorer countries; and, food aid and grain reserves.