Year
2011
Abstract
Agricultural prices affect food prices for 7 billion people. The volatility of agricultural product prices is a constant concern due to climatic changes, sudden political decisions, and speculation that is sometimes excessive due to mismanagement. A certain level of speculation by risk takers is essential for the liquidity of agricultural markets. But excessive speculation fuels the volatility causing market prices to move away from the supply and demand equilibrium. Market regulation can be improved. It is possible to reduce the uncertainty by more reliable information on harvests and stocks and by more transparency on market operations. Regional stocks may also contribute.
DECLERCK, F. (2011). Faut-il réguler les marchés des produits agricoles de base ? Dans: Comment nourrir le monde ? 1st ed. Éditions de l’Aube, pp. 129-157.