The third session of the Global Food Market Information Group was hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Participants (i) reviewed the progress in establishing supply and demand balances for AMIS, (ii) discussed selected indicators to be monitored on the AMIS website, and (iii) assessed various options for improved crop forecasting.

• Progress with balances: A roundtable discussion invited AMIS participating countries to share their experiences in establishing supply and demand balances for AMIS. While a few challenges still need to be resolved, the historical baseline is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2013.
• Monitoring of indicators: Important progress has been achieved as regards the monitoring of market and policy drivers. Building on the monthly Market Monitor, a new web tool will soon provide up-to-date information on key indicators of international commodity markets.
• Crop forecasting: The closing day of the meeting was devoted to reviewing different options to improve crop forecasting. Building on best practices in remote sensing, important contributions will be provided by GEO-GLAM, the G20’s Global Agricultural Geo-Monitoring Initiative.