At 22:37 17/05/2007, you wrote:
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/pecad/highlights/2005/07/July2005/Venezuela_Jul05.htm>
Venezuela: Agricultural Overview
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheat
According to the U.S. Agricultural Attache, wheat production in
Venezuela is negligible. The little wheat produced in the Venezuelan
Andean region is milled and consumed close to where it is harvested.
The lack of "temperate" climatic conditions and suitable land for
planting the crop are the main reasons for limited production. Though
it produces virtually no wheat, Venezuelans consume large quantities
of bread, crackers, pastries and pasta. Despite the current economic
recession in Venezuela, wheat consumption has remained strong since
pasta and bread are low-cost basic staples of the Venezuelan diet and
constitutes much of the diet of poorer Venezuelans. The consumption
of pasta has grown in the past 5 years, as low-income households began
to substitute it for meat in their diet due to falling disposable
incomes.
huh?
Per capita consumption of pasta is the second highest in the
world behind Italy at 14 kg per year. Currently, wheat consumption in
Venezuela is second only to corn, and at 47 kg per capita per year
amounts to 37 percent of total national grain consumption.
Let's hear it for arepas!
m
Michael A. Lebowitz
Professor Emeritus
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6
Currently based in Venezuela.
NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBERS
Can be reached at
Residencias Anauco Suites
Departamento 601
Parque Central, Zona Postal 1010, Oficina 1
Caracas, Venezuela
(58-212) 573-6333, 571-1520, 571-3820 (or hotel cell: 0412-200-7540)
fax: (58-212) 573-7724
