Global cereal output seen to rise

ROME, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization Monday revised up its global cereal output forecast by 29 million to 1.98 billion tons.

The Rome-based agency said the larger-than-expected wheat crop in Europe, coupled with a significant rise in U.S. maize crop, has boosted global coarse grain prospects.

Cereal stock had been declining sharply for the past four years, so the latest finding is "good news," said FAO Global Information Chief Henri Josserand. "This will raise the buffer available for unexpected crop failures."