NO PANIC, THERE'S ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE!

No panic, there's enough food for everyone!

Global struggle against global threat..

The coronavirus pandemic, which spread across more than 180 countries, has almost taken the world hostage. The pandemic, which killed thousands of people, put tremendous pressure on the global food supply chain as well as the healthcare system. People run to the markets in panic and stock up on flour, pasta and pulses. Pasta and flor sales in France tripled compared to the same period of last year. Demand for flour has increased by 80 percent in Italy, one of the countries most affected by the pandemic.

While the supply-demand balance in the grain markets suddenly deteriorates, the governments are also taking measures such as banning grain exports, primarily wheat and rice, and suspending flour sales abroad to ensure their own food security.

However, the UN warns that these protective policies that restrict international grain trade can trigger a food crisis in the world. The threat is too close. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there may be disruptions in food supply chains in April and May.

There is no need to panic. Global harvest outlook is good in main grains including wheat and corn. There is enough food for the whole world. Not long before, what happened in the food crisis that broke out between 2007-2008 due to price increases in basic foodstuffs is still in memory. Policy makers should not repeat mistakes made during that crisis. Steps to turn the health crisis into a food crisis should be avoided.

We all must take heed of FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero's call: "The worst that can happen is that governments restrict the flow of food. All measures against free trade will be counterproductive. Now is not the time for restrictions or putting in place trade barriers. Now is the time to protect the flow of food around the world".

We must work in a coordinated way to prevent a possible food crisis. We must stay calm and have common sense for the sake of our families, loved ones and humanity. Let's not forget that we can overcome this global threat only with a global struggle.