ABU DHABI — The Persian Gulf states have expressed concern over food shortages amongh their six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Officials said the GCC has been assessing the prospect of a food crisis and shortage in 2009, Middle East Newsline reported. They said food shortages throughout North Africa and Asia could result in countries reducing exports to ensure that their nationals are fed.

"Food is becoming a more scarce commodity and with greater demand there could be serious shortages, especially in countries that do not produce food," an official said.

The GCC convened a seminar to prepare for any food shortage in 2009. GCC representatives agreed to establish an independent body to monitor and recommend policy to avoid a food crisis.

"There should be a unified purchasing policy for essential foodstuff such as rice, wheat, sugar, oil, seeds, milk, and meat," a statement by the seminar read. "This would suit the policy of free competition and also not contradict the interests of the private sector."

The seminar urged GCC states to share food resources, similar to efforts to form a power and water grid. Representatives attributed the food shortage to the rising use of grain to produce biofuel.

Other recommendations included the establishment of companies to invest in producing in GCC states. Officials said these companies would also ensure the import of sufficient food supplies to form a strategic reserve.

The seminar also called for the increase in resources for veterinary and insecticides services. Officials said GCC states must increase their scientific capability to establish a viable agricultural sector.

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