Why Does My Food Suddenly Cost So Much?

In mid-2008, agricultural commodities and petroleum prices reached record levels, resulting in sharp increases in Americans' food prices. The column examines the complex global factors responsible for these record commodity demand and resulting prices. It was written in September before the more recent recession-driven worldwide fall in demand for agricultural commodities and petroleum, resulting in severe falling prices for all commodities. (C) 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.