Agricultural Trade

This publication is a section of the WHH position paper on rural development.

The majority of developing countries depend on agricultural imports for their food security. Prices for agricultural products are rising and also becoming more volatile, so that it is increasingly difficult for these countries to meet their needs on the global market. Their own agricultural sectors, mostly based on small-scale farming, must play the main role with respect to domestic food security. Local and regional markets must also be strengthened and appropriate agricultural strategies are needed for promoting stability and competitiveness. Protectionist trade policies continue to hinder access to international agricultural markets for producers in poor developing countries. For effective rural development the governments of affected countries must invest more in rural areas. In the context of WHO negotiations, global agricultural trade must be regulated in such a way that it promotes development and sustainable food security in all countries.