Stories for June 21st 2009
Latest News feedA billion people hungry in 2009 because of the economic crisis, says FAO
World hunger is projected to reach a historic high in 2009 with 1.020 million people going hungry every day, according to new estimates published by FAO this week.
FAO forecasts second-highest record cereals crop for 2009/10
With the second-highest recorded cereals crop expected this year and stocks replenished, the world food supply looks less vulnerable to shocks than it was during last year’s food crisis, FAO said in its Food Outlook report published this month. But some potential dangers remain, it also noted.
Uruguayan farmers fearful of consolidation in meat sector
The possible merger between the leading Brazilian meat groups, Marfrig and JBS Bertin could create the largest corporation in the world and among other things dominate over 30% of the Uruguayan cattle demand market.
Greenland moves to self-rule and closer to independence
The Arctic island of Greenland is assuming self-rule, in the latest step towards independence from Denmark. The move follows a referendum on greater autonomy in November. It will see Greenland take a greater share of revenues from its natural resources.
More than 50 British MPs claimed council taxes they did not pay
British Members of Parliament are facing further embarrassment over their expenses as it emerged more than 50 had claimed for council tax they had not paid. Some have raked in thousands of pounds on “phantom” local authority bills, according to the Daily Telegraph.
UN envoy calls for investigation of deadly clashes in Peruvian Amazonia
A United Nations envoy on indigenous rights called for an impartial and internationally supported committee to investigate the deadly clashes between Peruvian police and Amazonian indigenous protesters that killed, officially, at least 33 people but which could be more than 50.
