Originally Posted by BiziBB

Here in Australia, we're seeing massive price inflation of groceries / food commodities(relative to the past decade).

It's not currency related, here.
The AUD$ hit a record high against the USD$ thanks to the resources boom re. China & India and the related commodities boom as richer developing nations move up the food chain.

I still blame a lot on the oil markets and companies.
-> Oil speculation driving up oil and transport prices (fuel is double the price of a decade ago)
-> Much higher transport costs for food as a result.

Much higher interest rates (thanks to the US credit crunch post subprime debacle) for business in Australia has probably forced some businesses to raise prices.

Overall, I've not noticed restaurant price rises here, so it might be a US-centric issue.
Are US farmers stil pushing for increased farm subsidies - even with food price inflation?

On a US level, could commodity price increases be due to the widespread practice of growing corn for ethanol be affecting food prices?