Focus on the U.S.: The world's biggest grain producer and exporter plays vital role in feeding the world

摘要

The United States (U.S.) is by far the world's biggest grain producer and exporter. Its crops dwarf those of other countries, and it plays a vital role in feeding the world. It has been a leader in using its maize (corn) crop to produce fuel for vehicles and led the world in the establishment of risk management techniques for agriculture, with the opening of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1848. According to the International Grains Council (IGC), the U.S. will produce 427.3 million tonnes of grain intotal in 2013-14, compared with 347.8 million in 2012-13. The next biggest producer on the IGC's list is China, coming in at 340.8 million tonnes.