Global X Funds, the New York based provider of exchange traded funds (ETFs), today launched the Global X Farming ETF (Ticker: BARN). BARN is the first ETF that comprehensively covers the farming sector, focusing on companies involved in agricultural products, livestock operations, and the manufacturing of farming equipment.   

The global food crisis, driven in part by higher fuel costs, weather events, and increased demand from emerging market nations (World Bank, 2011), has placed greater importance on the farming industry. It is directly responsible for producing the agriculture and livestock products necessary for feeding the planet. World food production will have to rise 70 percent by 2050 to feed a population forecast to grow to 9 billion people (Bloomberg, May 2011). Emerging markets are predicted to be the main drivers of demand for world agricultural production, consumption and trade, propelled by rising per capita incomes and urbanization (Food and Agricultural Organization, 2010).The reality of food scarcity, coupled with high oil prices and a feeble US dollar, and increasingly unpredictable weather conditions will multiply the severity of rising food prices and lead agricultural products to become hard assets (The Market Oracle, 2011).

"As the population in emerging economies increases their purchasing power and shifts dietary patterns, these nations have to increase food production yields," said CEO of Global X Funds, Bruno del Ama. "Investors in BARN may stand to benefit from this continuing and global demand."

The Global X Farming ETF tracks the Solactive Global Farming Index, which is designed to measure broad based equity market performance of global companies involved in the farming industry. As of May 23, 2011, the three largest components of the index were Vitierra Inc., Kubota Corp., and Wilmar International Ltd.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-x-funds-launches-first-farming-etf-barn-123018758.html