The event co-organised by the IGC and MED-Amin (CIHEAM Montpellier) will be held online on Thursday 9th June 2022 from 10:30h-15:30h (UK time), after the IGC 2022 Conference (7-8
June 2022).
Registration link to have access to the platform: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsdO-grDwvH9HSzBLTr7MJlbIMn-EFxBn9
English/French interpretation will be made available.
Background
Mediterranean countries, notably from North Africa, are highly reliant on global wheat and barley markets. Those countries and the Middle-East represent more than 30% of total wheat imports, making them the main importing region for wheat (including durum wheat) and barley. With global food prices at all-time high in March, and the surge of energy prices propelled by the conflict in Ukraine, Mediterranean countries face, with various intensity, disruption of grain (and input) supplies. This context weighs on global food security and the affordability of food for vulnerable communities caused, particularly by the destruction of agriculture, agricultural infrastructure, and the shutdown of trade activities in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov area, and associated trade restrictions. The main importer countries, in particular from the Mediterranean region, are struggling to solve the equation to supply appropriately and protect their agricultural sectors (crops, feed) and consumers.
These changes forced Mediterranean countries to diversify their origins of import, sometimes far from their usual supply sources, and to set strategies for the upcoming campaign 2022/23 that is foreseen to be even more complicated. A better understanding of the methodology, calendar and information published by the major exporters from the North and South Hemispheres would help Mediterranean countries to develop adequate strategies to enhance food security and also develop their national strategies and resilience towards external drivers.
The seminar will be an opportunity to share early information about the 2022 harvest, methodology, information on quality, and a calendar for establishing potential export availabilities
for milling wheat, durum wheat, barley and maize.