Maximo Torero
Máximo Torero is a Peruvian economist who serves as the Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), heading its Economic and Social Development stream. A former professor of economics, he previously held senior research and academic positions before joining the FAO, where he has worked on agricultural development, food security and poverty reduction.
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FAO food price index hits highest level since late 2022 as sugar, grains surge
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization's Food Price Index rose 1.9% in August to 133.3 points, its highest level since November 2022, with all five sub-indices climbing. Sugar jumped 11.9%, the sharpest move, while grains and vegetable oils also reached multi-year highs. FAO lowered its 2026 world grain production forecast and warned that climate shocks, Black Sea disruptions and trade frictions are putting a risk premium back on food markets.