High Costs: Rising Food Prices and the Impacts on the Poor

The sharp rise in the cost of food and fuel is threatening the economic stability and growth prospects of many Latin American countries--which, in turn, puts the region's recent social gains at deep risk. New and potentially dangerous political strains will likely emerge in some countries. 

On Monday, July 21, 2008, CGD and the Inter-American Dialogue co-hosted a discussion on the policy challenges of spiking food prices in Latin America and how governments are responding. This event featured Joachim von Braun, Director General of International Food Policy Research Institute. Nora Lustig, J. B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Visiting Professor of International Relations, Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University and Member of the Board of Directors, Center for Global Development, provided comments.

Access event audio recording and presentations here.