Antoine Bouet, from the International Food Policy Research Institute, presented several economic studies showing that protectionism (both import tariffs and export restrictions) in the agricultural sector result in high and volatile food prices. His study shows that in cases of a supply shock, the food price can increase as much as 40 per cent.
Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, from the Economics and Management of Agrobiotechnology Centre (EMAC), emphasized that innovation and productivity growth is the only solution to food problems. He quoted studies showing that trade disruption resulting from regulatory asynchronicity (i.e. a product approved by an exporting country but not the importing country) is costly.
Alice Chepleting Kalya, from the Agricultural Society of Kenya, spoke about the problems that farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa are facing, including government subsidies, lack of economy of scale, zero tolerance in GM products and low value in the market chain.
Finally, Stuart Harbinson, from Sidley Austin LLP, discussed the role of the WTO in addressing food security. He said that the current Doha mandate is relevant in addressing agriculture concerns.
WTO PUBLIC FORUM: 19—21 SEPTEMBER 2011
Food — from abundant and cheap to scarce and expensive
Is the global trading system coping with change?
Special Correspondent - 2011-09-21 06:32
A session in WTO PUBLIC FORUM: 19—21 SEPTEMBER 2011 examined the role of trade in protecting food security and the impact of trade policies and regulations on food price volatility and on the flow of agricultural and food products. Speaking from different perspectives, the panellists shared the view that trade openness can help to ensure food security and moderate price volatility.