New Executive Director Arnaud Petit vows to continue growth of crop database, membership.

It will be June 19-20 in London, England.

Initial forecasts for 2018-19 shed light on global grains situation.

IGC now predicts total at 17.1 million tonnes, noting the biggest change was increased imports to Iraq.

Decline reflects poorer maize output prospects in Argentina, Brazil and South Africa.

Its initial annual contribution to global food security will be $42.3 million.

Production estimate for 2017-18 inches closer to 2016-17 estimate.

Increases forecast for dried peas from Canada, lentils and chickpeas from Australia.

He takes over Feb. 1, 2018, from Etsuo Kitahara, who has been in the position since January 2006.

2017-18 total forecast unchanged from August.