The Economic Research Service (ERS) provides quantitative and qualitative research and analysis on food security issues in developing countries. The research focuses on food security measurement and the key factors affecting food production and household access.
The annual ERS Global Food Assessment report (referred to as the International Food Security Assessment between 2011 and 2024) is published by ERS before the end of each fiscal year as required by section 408 (b) of Public Law 480 and 7 U.S.C. 1736b of Public Law 95-98. The report continues the series of Global Food Assessments (GFA) in low- and middle-income countries, initiated in the late 1970s by Congressional request. The report focuses on assessing food demand in 83 low- and middle-income countries and monitors each countryʼs ability to meet this demand from its own production and local sources. The resulting gap between local food availability and food demand helps identify potential markets for U.S. agricultural products.
