Trade, Food Security and Sustainable Development| Markets and Trade | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The 2030 Agenda recognizes that trade is key to addressing food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture. International agrifood trade can help balance food deficits and surpluses across countries, improve availability of diverse foods, and contribute to price stability. Yet, greater trade openness may also pose challenges, especially for small-scale agrifood value chain actors. FAO supports its Members by providing evidence and strengthening capacities in trade and market-related policies and inclusive agricultural systems that contribute to the achievement of Zero Hunger (SDG 2). Other areas of support include climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Key messages

	Trade policy has a critical role to play in eradicating global hunger by 2030, but trade alone cannot address all of the socioeconomic and political challenges that influence food security and nutrition.
	Sound policies for food security and nutrition balance a reliance on trade with domestic production to ensure stable food availability and accessibility. At the same time, policies should raise income levels for the rural poor and improve nutritional value in food chains.
	FAO emphasizes evidence-based decision-making to ensure that trade and trade policies contribute to the achievement of food security and nutrition.

Publications

The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets 2015–16

13/09/2015

Global trade in agricultural and food products has grown rapidly in recent decades, with countries becoming more engaged in this trade, whether as exporters or importers. This trend is expected to continue over the coming decades. As a consequence, trade will play an increasingly important role in influencing the extent and nature of food security across all regions of the globe.