Global Food Prices Remain Fairly Stable In November

The FAO Food Price Index fell slightly again in November 2011 with the average at 215 compared with 216 in October. There has been a downward trend in global food prices since February 2011. The annual food price index increased sharply in 2011 to 229 from the 185.3 of the previous year. They are the highest since at least 1990. The overall food price index reflects increases in the price indices of the commodity groups that make up the index. The prices for sugar, oils, and cereals reported sharp increases. Food is a volatile sector for prices.