To read this content please select one of the options below:

Food Security and the Role of Food Storage

Food Security in a Food Abundant World

ISBN: 978-1-78560-215-3, eISBN: 978-1-78560-214-6

Publication date: 12 January 2016

Abstract

Purpose

We discuss food security within the context of welfare economics. We review models of commodity price stabilization brought about by government storage, and/or the private sector. We use data on the stocks of major commodities to discuss the implications of storage models on food security.

Methodology/approach

The impact of storage on food security is discussed within the context of welfare economics.

Findings

Storage is not necessarily a solution to solving long-term world food problems. Also, at times in history, countries such as the United States have accumulated large stocks of commodities such as wheat, which turned out to be a costly policy.

Social implications

While food insecurity is a major issue worldwide, the solution does not entirely lie in governments being heavily involved in managing and owning food stocks. The private sector manages stocks as a part of commercial transactions. The government’s role is to provide food from stockholdings in times of emergency situations.

Keywords

Citation

Schmitz, A. and Kennedy, P.L. (2016), "Food Security and the Role of Food Storage", Food Security in a Food Abundant World (Frontiers of Economics and Globalization, Vol. 16), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1574-871520150000016001

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016 Emerald Group Publishing Limited