FAO Food Price Index: Global food prices have dropped more than 10% since last October

The FAO Food Price Index for October 2023 is out. Where do global food prices stand, and which categories saw the largest gains?

picnic summer food_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

This month’s FAO Food Price Index is out. The index measures the monthly change in the price of food commodities around the globe. Where do global food prices stand, and which categories saw the largest gains?

The FAO Food Prince Index for October was down 0.5 percent from September, and almost 11 percent below this time last year.

Most categories were down, following a recent trend that started about a year ago. This comes with declines in sugar, cereals, vegetable oils, and meat.

Here are some key takeaways from this month’s report:

  • Dairy saw an increase, up 2.2 percent, but still around 20 percent off a year ago.
  • The cereal price index was down one percent.
  • Vegetable oil was down to 0.7.
  • Meat was down 0.6 percent, and sugar fell 2.2 percent.
Related Stories
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.
One trader said the products entering the U.S. are primarily grind and trim, noting that the volume and type of beef, on its own, should not cause a major disruption. However, he says fund traders are reacting heavily to headlines rather than market realities.
Olivia Bury, AgriSafe Network Behavioral Health Coordinator, shares about AgriSafe Network’s resources created to support farmers and rural Americans.