UN food agencies urge action to avoid food crisis

(AP) The three U.N. food agencies have issued a joint appeal calling for a swift, global response to curb rising prices of corn, wheat and soybean, to avoid a major crisis.

The heads of the World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization and International Fund for Agriculture Development warned in a statement Tuesday that the sharp rise in food prices in recent months threatens to make life even more difficult for tens of millions of people.

A major drought in the U.S. the No. 1 exporter of corn, soybeans and wheat has helped drive up food prices in recent months. The FAO's next food price index is due Thursday.

The three agencies called for poorer countries to expand assistance for small-scale farmers and food aid to mothers and children, promote sustainable food production through better investment, and adjust biofuel production requirements.