United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released its latest Global Grain Production and Food Situation 2025 report. The findings project a 1% increase in global wheat production, reaching 796 million tonnes in 2025. The report also warns of food insecurity risks in 45 countries due to conflicts, droughts, and economic instability.
Global Grain Production Forecast (2025) Highlights
Wheat Production:
- Expected to reach 796 million tonnes (+1% from the previous year).
- European Union (France & Germany): Increased wheat sowing anticipated.
- Eastern Europe: Dry conditions may reduce yields.
- Western Europe: Heavy rainfall could impact output.
- United States: Increased acreage, but drought-affected winter crops may lower yields.
Rice Production:
- Record-high 543 million tonnes projected for 2024/25.
- India, Cambodia, and Myanmar benefiting from favourable weather conditions.
Total Global Grain Production:
- Expected to reach 2,842 million tonnes in 2024, slightly higher than in 2023.
Global Grain Use & Stock Levels
Cereal Consumption:
- Projected at 2,867 million tonnes (+1%) in 2024/25.
- Rice consumption: Record-high levels driving the increase.
- Wheat consumption: Expected to remain stable.
- Factory use (especially in China): Expected to rise, but food use may decline.
Grain Stock Levels:
- Global grain stocks to decline by 1.9%, reaching 869.3 million tonnes in 2025.
- Increased stocks in Russia & Ukraine, but reductions elsewhere.
- Stock-to-use ratio: Expected to be 29.9%, considered a satisfactory level.
Global Grain Trade:
- FAO forecasts 484.2 million tonnes of trade in 2024/25, a 5.6% decline from the previous season.
- Reduced trade attributed to changing export patterns.
Global Food Crisis: 45 Countries in Need of Assistance
FAO also released its Food Situation 2025 Report, highlighting food insecurity risks across the globe.
Regional Crop Production Trends
North Africa: Deficient rainfall may cause grain production decline.
Southern Africa: Favorable rains could boost crop yields after 2024’s decline.
Asia:
- Far East: Increased wheat production expected due to better sowing & good weather.
- Near East: Below-average wheat harvests due to low rainfall since late 2024.
South America & Caribbean:
- Maize production impacted by mixed weather.
- Argentina: Threatened by a stent disease outbreak.
- Brazil: Expected to maintain above-average output.
Central America & Caribbean:
- Mexico: Dry conditions reduced grain seedlings.
- Other areas: Favourable weather supports better crops.
Severe Food Insecurity in 45 Countries
- 33 in Africa
- 9 in Asia
- 2 in South America & Caribbean
- 1 in Europe
Conflict & insecurity are the primary causes of food crises. The worst-hit regions include:
- Gaza (Palestine) & Sudan: Classified under IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophic Famine Conditions).
Significance of FAO Report
- Highlights global food security challenges due to climate change, drought, conflicts, and economic instability.
- Calls for international cooperation to boost grain production, stabilize trade, and enhance food security in vulnerable nations.
- Reinforces the need for disaster preparedness & agricultural resilience strategies to mitigate future crises.
This report underscores global concerns over food shortages and trade disruptions, stressing urgent action to ensure sustainable food production and distribution worldwide.