Global food crisis warning

At a time when people in different parts of the world have taken to the streets over the cost of food, World bank chief Robert Zoellick warns that the price of food and the increasing volatility in food prices present a growing emergency to the world

SOUNDBITE: World Bank President Robert Zoellick, saying: (English)

"This is about recognizing a growing emergency, acting and seizing opportunity too. The world can do this, we can do this we can have a new deal on global food policy. (First for the immediate crisis the international community must fill the at least five million dollar food gap identified by the UN's food program to meet emergency needs.)"

Speaking ahead of International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington, Zoellick called on rich industrial nations to immediately fill a $500 million funding gap at the UN World Food Program.

SOUNDBITE: World Bank President Robert Zoellick, saying: (English)

"While many are worrying about filling their gas tanks many others around the world are struggling to fill their stomachs and it's getting more and more difficult everyday. In many developing countries the poor spend up to 75 per cent of their (salary)(incoming) on food. When prices of basic foods rise it hits hard."

Zoellick said the World Bank could help by supporting emergency measures that support the poor and to encourage countries to produce and market food as part of a broader development agenda.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters

seizing - the act of gripping something firmly with the hands (or the tentacles)