The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, states that there has been a 28.1% increase in food costs in the year 2021, when compared to 2020.

The FAO reports that during the period, the annual benchmark index reached 125.7 points. This is the "highest observed increase since the 131.9 points recorded in 2011," notes the FAO quoted by the news agency, UN News.

According to data from the Food Price Index, the month of December marked a drop in world food prices, this after four months of consecutive increases.

The cost measurement of the most traded food categories globally points to setbacks in the harvest and strong demand, seen last year, as factors that have dictated the high monthly rate over the past 10 years.

The assessment of the value of food throughout the year 2021 highlights a sharp increase in all categories. The situation has also contributed to high inflation as the world resumes economic activity following the coronavirus crisis, writes the FAO analysis, published yesterday.

In the assessment, FAO warns that the increase in food values in countries that depend on imports is putting the poorest populations at risk.