A global food crisis occurred in 2008 partly as a result of a rice shortage. A shortage in corn was causing concern as of 2012.
One reason for the increase in food prices could be the rise in oil prices at the same time, resulting in the increased demand for and production of biofuels. For instance, the use of Maize (Corn) for ethanol fuel production rose from 15% of total U.S. maize production in 2006 to 40% in 2012.
