IRRI noted that the 2007-2008 price crisis prompted the Asean to craft a regional integrated food security framework along with a strategic plan of action. This in turn led to the setting up of the Asean+3 Emergency Rice Reserve (Apterr) in 2012, aimed at ensuring the long-term food security and livelihood of the people in the East Asian region . “(However, Apterr’s) organization has been quite delayed and its feasibility yet to be tested by a major challenge,” IRRI said.

The institute added that beyond the framework and the plan, “much more needs to be done, and regional cooperation will be essential to manage a food crisis.”