Food prices fell in December 2011 with the FAO Food Price Index dropping 2.4 per cent, or five points from November. At its new level of 211 points, the Index was 11.3 per cent (27 points) below its peak in February 2011.

The FAO Food Price Index in November was virtually unchanged from its October level.

The U.S. Grains Council’s 2011 Corn Mission to Japan, China and Vietnam toured the Kushiro Port in Hokkaido, Japan, and heard firsthand the plans to expand the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels.

Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) will invest up to US$8.2 million (SGD$10 million) over five years in a new rice research program to help ensure there is enough rice to meet the future demands of Singapore and the region.

Genetically-modified plants could bolster global food supply which is being challenged by rapid climatic changes and rising population levels.