Trade is an integral part of food systems and can contribute to economic growth and to a more efficient allocation of natural resources. By moving food from surplus to deficit regions and countries, trade can address production shortfalls, stabilize markets, reduce prices for consumers, and increase the diversity of available foods.
FAO supports Members with evidence-based analyses, capacity development programmes and facilitated policy dialogues on trade, agriculture, and food security at the global and regional levels.
Currently, four Trade Expert Networks are active in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia; sub-Saharan Africa; Near East and North Africa; and Latin America. The networks are made up of members who are government trade experts, researchers from academia, and professionals from industry associations. They are specialists who conduct policy-relevant analysis, carry out training programmes, and advise the government and private sector on issues related to agrifood trade and trade policy.
Networks at a glance:
Agricultural Trade Expert Network in Europe and Central Asia (ATEN)
FAO helped establish the Agricultural Trade Expert Network (ATEN) in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) to facilitate knowledge sharing in the region and to support policy decisions in the development of trade potential.
ATEN’s work is carried out in a region that is increasingly important as a major supplier of agricultural commodities to world markets.
Since 2014, ATEN has been a hub for the exchange of timely information and mutual support for more transparent and predictable trade in the region.
Related links
- OECD-FAO Advisory Group (AG) on Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains
- FAO Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) in Agriculture
- OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains (OECD Site)
- Sustainable Development Goals and the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains
- CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems
Africa Agricultural Trade Policy Practitioners Network (ATPPN)
Africa Agricultural Trade Policy Practitioners Network (ATPPN) is a regional network of agricultural trade policy practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa that aims to boost intra-African trade.
Through in-depth analysis, capacity development, technical assistance, and focused trade policy dialogue events, ATPPN provides countries with an opportunity to exchange ideas and foster partnerships in areas of mutual interest.
ATPPN is a joint initiative between FAO and the Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (TRAPCA). It seeks to encourage practitioners and stakeholders involved in African trade and agriculture to take ownership of the related issues.
Regional Network of Experts in Agricultural Trade in the NENA region (RNE-AT)
The objectives and activities of the Regional Network of Experts in Agricultural Trade (RNE-AT) in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region are to: 1) strengthen the capacities of the expert community to provide high-quality technical advice and policy recommendations to governments and the private sector and 2) improve communication, information sharing and collaboration on trade policy issues across countries in the region.
Trade is key to food security policy in the NENA region. Agrifood trade is of particular importance because the region depends on imports for its food security and on exports to improve incomes.
The core business of the RNE-AT is to facilitate generation and exchange of knowledge and to identify and apply capacity development solutions on issues related to agricultural trade in the NENA region.
Regional Network of Experts in Agrifood Trade in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
The Regional Network of Experts in Agrifood Trade in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) aims to bring together specialists and experts with extensive experience in conducting research and carrying out training programmes on issues related to agricultural trade and trade policy, including regional and multilateral trade agreements.
The main activity of the network is to facilitate the generation and exchange of knowledge and to ensure that solutions are identified for a more equitable distribution of the benefits of open trade.