Country borders are artificial; many issues in the agriculture and food sectors are transboundary. Animal diseases, food contamination, natural resources management and trade are some of the key transboundary issues that can affect food security, particularly among vulnerable populations. Therefore, RPFS include activities related to transboundary issues.

Since 2004, the CARICOM/CARIFORUM (Caribbean Community/Forum) Regional Programme has been in operation. This project is funded by the Government of Italy's financial contribution (FAO Trust Fund for Food Security). This project is consistent with the CARICOM Regional Transformation Programme for Agriculture (and related projects) that are running in the region. The Pacific Islands Forum, within the context of its US$11.47 million RPFS, has a large trade facilitation module that includes:

• improving food quality and standards;
• promoting intraregional trade in agriculture; commodity development programmes; and
• measures to follow-up the Marrakech Agreement.

It is also beginning a study to analyse socio-economic constraints on member countries that are adjusting to changes in the trade environment.