World Crop Production

We often hear that agriculture has a global impact, but do we take time to dig into things deeper? This week we highlight the monthly report from the United States Department of Agriculture looking at World Agricultural Production. Past reports can be found here. We encourage you to look through the linked report below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe!

World Agricultural Production May 2020

Discussion Points

• What piece of information or graph did you find most interesting/intriguing and why?
• The tables towards the end of the report highlight 16 different crops being produced around the world. Of the 16 crops, 12 crops are seeing an increase in production. Take a further look at these tables. What factors could be contributing to these increases? What does this mean for global markets? 
• The report shows increased production for many crops. In reality, most parts of the world (but not all) produce enough food to feed their country and collectively feed the world. If this is the case why do we find individuals that are food insecure everywhere in the world? What can we do to combat these challenges?

Food Security and COVID-19

This week we highlight a video from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs featuring Roger Thurow. This is part of their "Wait Just a Minute" series. We encourage you to watch the linked video, on food security, and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Wait Just a Minute: Roger Thurow on Food Security

Discussion Points

• How has COVID-19 impacted food security at home and abroad?
• Why is hunger an ignored issue in the USA? If you live outside of the USA is hunger an ignored issue in your home country? Why or why not?
• Share your ideas on fighting food insecurity both locally and around the globe.
• The final question asked of Roger is, "What gives you hope?" What gives you hope personally in regards to food security?