Rain Forest Destruction Linked to Famine

ROME — Destruction of tropical forests claims up to 100 plant and animal species a day, an official said Friday at a conference to mark the United Nations’ 13th World Food Day.

The international gathering sponsored by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization stressed the need to preserve diverse species in order to guard against famine and food supply problems.

“A mere three plants--wheat, rice and maize--already provide over 40% of the world’s plant foods, and nine plants provide almost 70%. This is dangerous and irresponsible,” said former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac.