systematic and on-going process for collecting, transmitting, analysing and interpreting data to provide up-to-date knowledge of the food and nutrition situation and also to identify problems, causes and trends, to forecast changes in food availability, consumption and supply and to propose any preventive or emergency measures necessary to change the situation. As the food and nutrition problem springs from many causes, it is clearly necessary to draw the relevant data from a wide range of sectors; consequently, the Food and Nutrition Monitoring System is a valuable tool for planning and co-ordinating programmes of action. Macro-economic policy and its impact on food security 12. The State has taken steps designed to improve the food situation and the population's standard of living through the implementation of various measures and policies with an impact on food production, prices, foreign trade, marketing, distribution and consxmiption. However, most of these policies have been adversely affected by external and domestic factors such as the economic blockade, military aggression and more recently the activities of certain members of COSEP (Supreme Council of Private Enterprise). 13. In addition, in order to achieve food security priority must be attached to the most vulnerable groups of the population and a more significant role must be given to the agricultural sector inasmuch as its activity will be influenced by the framework of the principal macro-economic policies. The potential repercussions of economic policy measures on the food situation therefore need to be examined in detail.E/1986/3/Add.l5 page 20 E/1986/3/Add.l5 page 21 Research into food consumption 14. Through INEC, the Planning and Budget Secretariat has carried out periodic research into current trends in order to measure the impact of economic adjustments on the labour situation. PAN will join in the efforts undertaken by INEC to extend this research into food consumption to
**Analysis**
The text discusses the food and nutrition situation, food security, and the impact of economic policies on food availability and consumption. It also mentions the agricultural sector and the need to prioritize the most vulnerable groups of the population. This suggests that the text is primarily focused on issues related to agriculture, food security, and economic development.

**Category**
Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Economic development, Health