From Corn & Soybean Digest:
Global grain production is expected to reach a record high of 2.4 billion tons in 2012, an increase of 1% from 2011 levels, according to new research conducted by the Nourishing the Planet project for ourVital Signs Online service. According to theUnited Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the production of grain for animal feed is growing the fastest – a 2.1% increase from 2011. Grain for direct human consumption grew 1.1% from 2011.
In 2011, the amount of grain used for food totaled 571 million tons, with India consuming 89 million tons, China 87 million tons and the United States 28 million tons, according to theInternational Grains Council. The world relies heavily on wheat, maize (corn) and rice for daily sustenance: of the 50,000 edible plants in the world, these three grains account for two-thirds of global food energy intake. Grains provide the majority of calories in diets worldwide, ranging from a 23% share in the United States to 60% in Asia and 62% in North Africa.
Maize production in the United States – the largest producer – was expected to reach a record 345 million tons in 2012; however, drought in the Great Plains has altered this estimate severely. Maize yields for the 2012–2013 growing season are now expected to decrease 13% from 2011 production, for a total production of 274.3 million tons....MORE
