Phoenican Food Crisis

[Phoenica]

Over the past few years the weather around the nation of Phoenica has been quite erratic. Usually moist ocean air from the north helps create the precipitation that is vital to the growth of crops. A severe drought now causes some concern in the eyes of everyday Phoenicans. Already the price of bread has doubled from last year.
While there is still much left in storage in and around the capital of Slavinica (the Phoenicans like to prepare for the worst) there has recently been talk of an expedition sponsored by the United Farmer's Association to seek out more fields suitable for food production to keep up with the demand. (and to make a heavy profit) Other individuals have not waited for the UFA's move however, as scores of farmers have already spread out beyond Phoenica's recognized boarders for just the same reason.

[Phoenica]

A week after the move by the UFA the volume of people prospecting for land has decreased considerably. Despite the UFA's redoubled efforts to encourage members to expand further, several factors have contributed to the rapid decline of the exodus. For one thing, many of the people who have the means or the determination to upset their homes and move away have already done so. Also, enough additional land has already been claimed to deter anyone that has misplaced thoughts of quick wealth. Bread prices are already starting to drop due to the anticipation of next years' crop, even though it will take at least 6-8 months for even some of the new fields to start producing. When all is accounted for, Phoenica will have grown in size by about 1.5 km (3 pixles).

[Phoenica]

Farmers continue to expand their farms on their own and Phoenica takes control of 2 km of land to the northwest.