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Neenan, Have You Read a Good Book Lately? O'Neill Library: 25 Years of "The Dean's List", a tribute to the man behind the list and his passion for reading. Ongoing through June 2008.

Rising Food Prices: What Should Be Done? - IFPRI Policy Brief

Rising Food Prices: What Should Be Done? - IFPRI Policy Brief: "Rising Food Prices What Should Be Done? " Joachim von Braun April 2008

In 2007 the food price index calculated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) rose by nearly 40 percent, compared with 9 percent the year before, and in the first months of 2008 prices again increased drastically. Nearly every agricultural commodity is part of this rising price trend. Since 2000—a year of low prices—the wheat price in the international market has more than tripled and maize prices have more than doubled. The price of rice jumped to unprecedented levels in March 2008. Dairy products, meat, poultry, palm oil, and cassava have also experienced price hikes. When adjusted for inflation and the dollar's decline (by reporting in euros, for example), food price increases are smaller but still dramatic, with often serious consequences for the purchasing power of the poor.

IFPRI also links to some interesting articles about the food crisis, including:

Soaring food prices in Turkey give officials food for thought

Further perspective:

Riots, instability spread as food prices skyrocket

Biofuel rules spark debate in Britain (video)

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