Price Policy and Grain Storage for Wheat in Jordan

AID abstract: Recommends pricing and storage program which would help Jordan become self- sufficient in wheat , thus eliminating the 1969 necessity of importing 45 percent of the wheat consumed. This has to be done within the constraint of using no more than existing land area allocated to wheat, an annual population increase of 3.3 percent, and no increase in the consumer price of wheat. Historic variations in price of wheat seem to discourage production. A policy of forward pricing is set forth with goal of expanding wheat production because of reduced risk. This is coupled with a storage program for years of exceptional production. Along with this price and storage policy, it is necessary that a research and extension program in wheat production be carried on. Excerpts from the report: Specific study objectives were to develop an effective, economically viable system whereby the cereal grain supply would meet market demand and provide reserves adequate to meet foreseeable emergencies under conditions of reasonable price stability. Specific steps of the study involved determining: (1) future wheat consumption needs; (2) the physical possibility of producing this quantity; (3) the price necessary to encourage production; and (4) associated grain storage needs.