Nadi, Fiji, 21 - 23 Aug 2012
Sugar is one of the most important agricultural commodity traded internationally. The annual value of world trade exceeds USD 24 billion, of which developing countries account for more than 80 percent. Sugar exports generate significant earnings for many countries and the commodity provides a low-cost source of energy, thus contributing to nutrition and food security. The world sugar economy is beset by complex problems affecting both developed and developing countries as national policies strongly affect production, consumption and trade prospects.
In order to meet these challenges, the FAO is organising a conference, hosted by the Government of Fiji, to address these topical issues and discus the changing economic and political environment in major sugar producing and consuming countries. The conference will offer a venue for policy makers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, to explore and formulate strategies to meet the challenges facing the world sugar market.
Objectives of the conference
• to review recent sugar policy developments and their impact on the sub-sector, and recommend reforms required to adapt to the new challenges;
• to analyse trade and markets;
• to review technological developments in the sub-sector and examine ways to optimise transfer of these technologies;
• to analyse the socio-economic costs and benefits of recent developments (technological, investments, competitiveness) affecting the livelihood of farmers (particularly smallholders who make up the bulk of developing country growers); and
• to analyse investment levels and their impact on the sub-sector.
