Grain is one of the world's most important staple commodities and one of the most hotly contested. With ever present malnutrition and starvation in many regions contrasting with huge agricultural surpluses in richer areas, it comes as no surprise that grain features highly in both human welfare and global trading issues.In the second edition of this book, Michael Atkin examines the political and economic dynamics of the international trade, explaining to the reader how the industry works and producing an understanding of the many ironies that are apparent in the trade of this vital commodity. This edition also takes into account a number of recent developments that have affected, or promise to affect, the grain trade such as the collapse of the USSR and the completion of the Uruguay Round at GATT.The book introduces the grain market to those who have not yet made its acquaintance and makes an excellent quick reference source for the better informed, providing a comprehensive insider's view of the trade.The international grain trade is an essential desk top reference to every aspect of the market for producers, traders, brokers, institutional investors and students.