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The article reports on the agricultural geography and rice productivity in the Southeast Asia region. The production of rice in the region is considered to be an export commodity and a dietary staple which also provides prosperity to the region. It mentions the commercial cultivation known in the region which include mangoes, coconuts, and cocoa. It cites the effects of weather pattern in the competition for rice exports including drought experienced in Thailand, number one rice exporter.

The article discusses the effect of the changing prices of commodities and world economy to agriculture industries. Mel Brees, agricultural economist at University of Missouri Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FIPRA), says that dollar value and energy prices have major impacts in agricultural markets. Brees adds that the growing demands for biofuels and the competitiveness of U.S. corn ethanol will open the possibility of ethanol exports.

The article focuses on the potential growth of Central America as a global trading partner with its increasing exportation of fruits and vegetables. It says that most of agricultural products in Belize such are exported, while coffee, sugar, corn and sorghum are the major crops of El Salvador. It adds that Mexico is recovering from the economic crisis due to its agricultural products mainly tomatoes, sugarcane, corn, and avocados which led to an estimate of 897 billion dollars GDP in 2009.

The article reports on the global trend of rice production. It states that rice producing nations find alternative ways to meet their demand for rice due to the global food crisis. It presents the suggestion of Thailand to form a cartel called Organization of Rice-Exporting Countries which will act as an administrator in controlling the international price of rice. According to the statement of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the rice market for 2008/2009 will remain tight.