A、World grain supplies. B、World grain production. C、World grain consumption. D、World grain trade. A

The Food and Agriculture Organization says it expects another decrease in world grain supplies. The F. A. O. says it expects the supplies to be eighteen percent lower at the end of the season than their opening levels. last year.
   However, world grain production this year is expected to increase by two percent. That would be three percent above the average of the last five years.
   But decreased production of some crops will affect prices. The F. A. O. says it expects trade in grains this year to remain slow mainly because of rising prices.
   The F. A. O. is part of the United Nations. The agency released a World Food Outlook this month. The report has information on wheat, rice and coarse grains. These include barley, corn and millet.
   Wheat supplies have fallen in recent years. China, and recently India, have reduced their crops. This is partly because the world is using less wheat. Wheat prices began to increase in July of 2003. The recent cuts mean prices will continue to rise.