The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported a global surge in food prices in August, marking the second rise this year after a two-month decline. The FAO Food Price Index experienced a 3.1% increase from July and a 32.9% increase from the previous year, led by higher prices for sugar, wheat, and vegetable oils. The rise in sugar prices was attributed to concerns over frost damage in Brazil, while wheat prices increased due to decreased crop availability in major exporting countries. However, corn prices fell despite potential crop improvements in other regions. The meat price index saw a marginal rise, largely driven by China's purchasing activities, while the dairy price index dipped slightly due to lower milk powder quotations.