NC State Experts Can Address Global Food Crisis, Rising Costs
Rising food prices are leading to unrest around the world, as well as putting additional stress on household budgets across the United States. Why is it becoming more costly to put food on the table? The reasons range from higher fuel and fertilizer costs to an increased demand for ethanol, but there are many other factors at play as well – and how these factors have led to an increase in prices and global demand is a complicated issue. North Carolina State University experts can help explain why everything from a milkshake to a salad has gotten more expensive, as well as what we can expect in the future and what can be done about it.
Dr. Michael L. Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 919/515-4671 or michael_walden@ncsu.edu, is an expert on consumer economics, economic outlook and public policy. Walden can provide an overview of the causes of inflation in food prices, as well as compare the current situation to historic prices and provide insight into potential policy questions and solutions.
Dr. Edmund A. Estes, associate head of NC State’s Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, 919/515-2607 or ed_estes@ncsu.edu, can address the broad issues at play in the economics of agricultural products, as well as the host of issues that have led to higher prices for fruits and vegetables – including energy and transport costs, increased demand and changes in the exchange rate for the dollar.
Dr. Geoffrey A. Benson, associate professor of agricultural and resource economics, 919/515-5184 or geoff_benson@ncsu.edu, is an authority on the economics of the dairy and beef industries. He can explain exactly why we are seeing a sharp increase in the cost of milk and beef, as well as what the future may hold for these staples of the American cupboard.
Dr. Roderick M. Rejesus, assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics, 919/513-4605 or rod_rejesus@ncsu.edu, can answer questions about the economics of rice at home and abroad. Rice is a staple food for much of the world, and Rejesus can explain that – while production has not decreased sharply – the increasing cost and higher demand for rice is causing a crisis because many people can no longer afford it.
Dr. Roger von Haefen, assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics, 919/515-8946 or roger_von_haefen@ncsu.edu, is an environmental economics specialist who can address how increased demand for biofuels has impacted food prices.
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