Democracy Now: U.S. Drought Scorches Crops, Drives Up Food Prices

The worst U.S. drought in more than half a century has sent food prices skyrocketing as millions of acres of Midwest crops endure scorching temperatures. Soybean prices reached a record high Wednesday and corn prices approached the record as many farmers were forced to plow up desiccated corn fields. More than 60 percent of the continental United States is in a state of drought, with about 1,300 counties across dozens of states now officially declared natural-disaster areas. Meat and dairy prices are also expected to rise and the drought could continue to impact food prices into next year. On Wednesday, the Obama administration called on Congress to restore expired disaster programs to help respond. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the drought “the most serious situation” in about a quarter century and said he is praying for rain.

~ by wheresthemic on July 19, 2012.