Based on empirical studies, the experiences of several African and Asian countries with stock schemes over the last 15 years are assessed. A number of the stockholding policies reviewed did not aim primarily or exclusively at symmetric price stabilisation (i.e. avoiding both too high and too low prices) but pursued other objectives as well, such as providing grains in cases of emergencies, distributing food aid, providing food assistance and managing international trade. In some cases, providing price support to farmers was an (implicit) mandate of the schemes.