"Ethiopia is only one of 20 or more African countries where land is being bought or leased for intensive agriculture on an immense scale in what may be the greatest change of ownership since the colonial era. ... It is not known if the acquisitions will improve or worsen food security in Africa, or if they will stimulate separatist conflicts, but a major World Bank report due to be published this month is expected to warn of both the potential benefits and the immense dangers they represent to people and nature."

"in September last year, the European commission announced that it would suspend the 20-year rule for the 2008 harvest year so that farmers could grow more grain and offset recent poor harvests and soaring food prices."