Food speculation We campaign for an end to excessive and harmful food speculation. The hunger of people must come before the hunger of financial institutions

Putting the hunger of people before profits

14 May 2013

Food speculation by banks and financial institutions continues to contribute to rapid and unpredictable swings in food prices, which hit the most vulnerable hardest. Today, finance ministers have the opportunity to curb this destructive practice, as the council of economic and financial affairs discusses its position on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) – which sets new regulations for financial markets.

26 October 2012

Food speculation still a threat following vote

MEPs voted today on the proposed financial reforms known as MiFID (the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive). The reforms adopted impose limits on the amount of shares a speculator can hold in the market, but serious loopholes mean food speculation can continue to drive up food prices and price volatility, according to Friends of the Earth Europe.

26 September 2012

Protest with pots and pans against food speculation

Campaigners used hundreds of pots and pans to spell out 'Stop food speculation' in giant letters outside the European Parliament today ahead of a key vote by MEPs on proposals to prevent banks and financial investors driving up food prices through financial speculation.

The 925 pots and pans used represented the 925 million people facing hunger worldwide.

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Food speculation is contributing to higher and more volatile food prices. Higher prices force millions of people into poverty and hunger, and drive land-grabs in developing countries. All while banks, life insurers and pension funds reap huge profits.

Friends of the Earth Europe campaigns for strict regulation to rein in this destructive activity and protect the most vulnerable from the whims of Europe's big financial players. 

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Reports & publications

12 Jan 2012

Farming money: How European banks and private finance profit from food speculation and land grabs

More reports & publications

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