WORLD FOOD SHORTAGE

Grey River Argus, 1 June 1943, Page 4

WORLD FOOD SHORTAGE

NOW APPROACHING Need to Readjust Production [Aust. &■ N.Z. Cable Assn.Y (Rec. 5.5) HOT SPRINGS, May 30. A great world ’shortage of foodstuffs, unless adjustments in production are affected both now, and also immediately after the war, is envisaged by a Special Sub-Committee, in a report submitted for the consideration of the General Food Conference.

The report states: “There are likely to be severe shortages, not only of the principal foods, but also of transport and of means of production, namel','4 fertilisers, seed, machinery, implements and petrol. seems that there wi,ll be 'a world shortage of meats, milk and other livestock products and also of oils, and fats, and even of rice. The lack of adequate means of transportation from the countries with surplus stocks of grains may even cause shortages of bread and of. grains in some areas.”

The report also says: “The princ.pal production aim during the postwar shortage period must be the alleviation of hunger, with the aim ot nutritional improvement temporarily filling*a minor role. This calls tor an increasing acreage of crops tor djrect human consumption, while holding back the rebuilding of livestock. herds, and whilst also limiting the production of other crops.” The report foresees over-produc-tion, with a consequence reduction of prices, when the devastated areas again are producing, unless, “each nation progressively adjusts the use of its production resources to conform with a long-term, co-ordinated production plan for the best use of these resources on a world scale. The Associated Press of America, says: “The Conference experts have estimated that it will need at least eight thousand cargo-ship voyages to supply liberated Europe’s immediate food needs after the war.” It adds: “This shipping problem will be increased by the necessity of maintaining large armies of occupation.”