The consumer cost of rice, a staple for much of the world, could fall this year thanks to a bumper harvest in 2008, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported today, but cautioned that the negative impact of the global economic downturn and the resulting loss of jobs and income could outweigh the benefits of lower prices for the poorest consumers.

Improved irrigation practices in Asia could reduce the high levels of arsenic found in rice, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today, warning of the increased food safety risk posed by the toxic substance.

Calling on the United Nations to “launch a lasting revolution of reform,” the United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the General Assembly today that the world body must become more transparent and accountable to its Member States.

Global rice production this year almost hit the 1999 record, but was inadequate for projected consumption and left little available for trade, the United Nations agricultural agency says.