"President Barack Obama moved to stem the impact of the worst drought in 50 years as he directed the department of agriculture to buy up to $170m of pork, lamb, chicken and catfish."

"The move comes as the G20 group of countries are reportedly planning their response to drought and soaring food prices around the world. The US is the world's largest exporter of corn, soybeans and wheat and the drought has already sent prices to record levels.

Obama made the announcement on Monday at the start of his three-day trip to Iowa, a swing state the Democrats hope to win in this November's election. The state that has been hit hard by a drought that last week drove US corn prices to an all-time high.

The farming crisis is emerging as a key battleground in the 2012 election. The president is trying to pass a farm bill through Congress that he claims will aid farmers but has been stalled by Republicans over what they see as excessive costs."

Dominic Rushe reports for the Guardian August 12, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Obama's Pledge of Drought Aid Illustrates Incumbents' Campaign Edge" (Kansas City Star) [3]

"USDA Drought Aid To Help Meat Producers" (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) [4]