The European Union says crop production should soon increase, which should help place a temporary freeze on worldwide food prices.

A European Commission spokeswoman said based on a report from the commission's scientific group, the Joint Research Center, the cereals harvest in the 27-nation group should increase by 16 percent compared to 2007, the EU Observer said Friday.

Wheat producers in France, Greece, Italy and Spain should see increased crops during the rest of the year as should similar agricultural efforts in the United States, the unidentified official said.

Yet the spokeswoman did warn that the European Commission could not guarantee that such increased production would lead to steady or decreased food prices.

We cannot speculate on the consequences for prices. Obviously it's a positive element for Europe, but other elements are also important, especially the state of stocks around the world, she said.

The Observer said France, the EU presidency country, is organizing a food security debate to take place this year.

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