World grain production, 2011 and employment in the Asia/pacific region

from the Worldwatch Institute:

Global Grain Production at Record High Despite Extreme Climatic Events
Global grain production is expected to reach a record high of 2.4 billion tons in 2012, an increase of 1 percent from 2011 levels, according to new research conducted by the Nourishing the Planet project for our Vital Signs Online service. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the production of grain for animal feed is growing the fastest—a 2.1 percent increase from 2011. Grain for direct human consumption grew 1.1 percent from 2011.

In 2011, the amount of grain used for food totaled 571 million tons, with India consuming 89 million tons, China 87 million tons, and the United States 28 million tons, according to the International Grains Council. The world relies heavily on wheat, maize (corn), and rice for daily sustenance: of the 50,000 edible plants in the world, these three grains account for two-thirds of global food energy intake. Grains provide the majority of calories in diets worldwide, ranging from a 23 percent share in the United States to 60 percent in Asia and 62 percent in North Africa.

from the International Labour Organization

News | 22 October 2012
HANOI (ILO News) – Economic growth has slowed down in many Asia-Pacific countries, affecting labour markets both in terms of the quantity and the quality of jobs available, according to an ILO report.

The October 2012 Asia-Pacific Labour Market Update, says jobs growth in the region has slowed down compared to 2011, although the situation varies greatly among countries.

For example, while Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan (China) experienced a significant slow-down in employment growth, the Republic of Korea and, to a lesser extent, Singapore and Thailand, saw a rise in job creation. Poor quality of employment – which often means low wages and limited access to rights and benefits – is another huge challenge for the region, especially in developing countries.

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