Availability of cereals

Definition

Grams per person per day of cereals available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in cereal stocks. This indicator takes into consideration cereals as well as processed foods derived from cereals. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.

Relevance

Availability of cereals in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of cereals, a component of the WHO's recommended healthy diet. Whole grains are especially encouraged. Note that this indicator does not consider access or affordability of cereals among population subgroups.