CNBC Poll: Is Commodities Speculation Driving Up Food Prices?
By: CNBC.com
Cocoa. Corn. Beef. Pork. All of these commodities have seen enormous price increases in the last year.
Food Economics - A CNBC Special Report
Sure, bad weather is to blame for some it, but there's a growing chorus of people — including CEOs, such as Howard Schultz of Starbucks — who say commodities market speculation is a major factor in driving up food prices.
In Washington, Sen. Carl Levin (D., Mich.), for one, wants regulators to curb excessive speculation in the markets.
Others blame the weak dollar, a result of the Federal Reserve's easy-money policy.
What's you opinion?
Many agricultural commodities have seen enormous price increases in the last year. Weather is certainly a factor, but some say man-made forces are also at work.