How to use the WTO instruments in the interests of agribusiness: A guide
13/09/2018
This publication provides a broad set of trade and WTO transparency instruments that can be used to improve market-access opportunities in agribusiness.
Boosting agricultural trade in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
13/09/2018
Agrifood systems in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are still adjusting to the political and economic effects of globalization and deepening trade integration, both within the region and worldwide. The region is more engaged in global agri-food trade and increasingly supplies agricultural commodities and food products to international markets. However, most countries are yet to reach their full trade potential. To benefit from trade, the countries are stepping up their efforts to implement trade agreements, align their regulation with international standards and diversify exports. The project benefits stakeholders in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with specific activities in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine to strengthen the policy environment for multilateral trade agreements and export development, in line with the FAO Regional Initiative for Improving Agri-food Trade and Market Integration in Europe and Central Asia.
Policy coherence for agricultural transformation in African least developed countries (LDCs)
13/09/2018
In many developing and least-developed countries (LDCs), the transformation of the agriculture sector is key for improving domestic food security and nutrition and for promoting economic development. However, efforts to raise agricultural productivity and develop inclusive and competitive agricultural value chains are often hampered by market- and trade-related bottlenecks, while initiatives promoting agricultural commercialisation, diversification and trade are often curbed by bottlenecks at farm or post-harvest levels. In this context, FAO, in collaboration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), carried out a Multi-partner Programme Support Mechanism (FMM) Project on Trade related capacity development for food security and nutrition in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) to contribute to improved policy coherence for agricultural development and food security in these countries.
Oilseeds, Oils and Meals. Monthly Price and Policy Update No.104, March 2018
13/09/2018
In February, FAO’s price indices for oilseeds and oilmeals rose by, respectively, 4.1 and 18.2 points (or 2.7 and 10.6 percent). Even though the oilseed index climbed to a 12-month high, its value remained just below the level observed in the corresponding month of last year. The oilmeal index, by contrast, fared well above the level recorded one year ago, marking a 20-month high. On the other hand, FAO’s price index for vegetable oils posted a month-on-month drop of 5.1 points (or 3.1 percent), denoting a 19-month low.
Oilseeds, Oils and Meals. Monthly Price and Policy Update No.106, May 2018
13/09/2018
In April, continuing on the trend observed in recent months, FAO’s price indices for oilseeds and oilmeals rose, while the index for vegetable oil fell further. The oilseed and oilmeal indices gained, respectively, 3 and 10 points (or 2 and 5 percent), rising well above the levels recorded in the corresponding month of last year. Conversely, the price index for vegetable oil decreased by a further 2 points (or 1 percent) to a 2 year-low.
Oilseeds, Oils and Meals. Monthly Price and Policy Update No.102, January 2018
13/09/2018
In December, FAO’s price indices for oilseeds and vegetable oils fell by, respectively, 2.2 and 9.6 points (or 1.5 and 5.6 percent), whereas the oilmeal index rebounded by 7.0 points (or 4.4 percent) to a 10-month high. While the oilseed and vegetable oil indices remained below the levels recorded in the corresponding month of the previous year, the oilmeal index posted a marginal gain over the previous year’s value.
Regional Initiatives for Europe and Central Asia
13/09/2018
FAO ’s three Regional Initiatives for Europe and Central Asia address interlinked issues to ensure the contribution of agriculture to achieve the universality of the Sustainable Development Goals. For this reason, technical teams in the region and at FAO headquarters work in close collaboration to support countries in achieving their goals.
Oilseeds, Oils and Meals. Monthly Price and Policy Update No.112, November 2018
13/09/2018
In October, FAO’s price index for oilseeds rebounded modestly from the multi-year low recorded in September, gaining 3.7 points (or 2.6 percent) but remaining below the level of the corresponding month in 2017. By contrast, the price index for vegetable oils has fallen for the ninth consecutive month, shedding 2 points (or 1.5 percent) and marking the lowest level since April 2009. The oilmeal price index remained virtually unchanged from September, staying above last year’s level.
Oilseeds, Oils and Meals. Monthly Price and Policy Update No.108, July 2018
13/09/2018
June has seen a further decline in international prices across the oilcrops complex. Compared with the month of May, FAO’s price indices for oilseeds and oilmeals dropped sharply, shedding, respectively, 13 and 23 points (or 8 and 11 percent) and posting 1-year and 5-month lows. The price index for vegetable oils continued to slide, losing 5 points (or 3 percent) month-on- month – a fifth consecutive fall and a 29-month low.
GIEWS Update - The Sudan, 11 September 2018
11/09/2018
Fuel shortages are reported in several areas in the country, triggering sharp price increases in the parallel market. Prices of most agricultural inputs surged in the last 12 months to more than twice their year-earlier levels. Availability and access constraints to fuel and agricultural inputs are mainly caused by the depreciation of the Sudanese Pound and dwindling foreign currency reserves that have affected imports. Despite the provision of fuel by the Government to the agriculture sector, supply shortages have affected land preparation, planting and weeding operations.
No. 21 Trade and Nutrition
11/09/2018
This technical note explores the impact of trade on nutrition, addressing the role of trade in the “nutrition transition” and the extent to which trade policies affect nutritional objectives.
No. 32 Agricultural trade and employment: links, evidence and policy implications
10/09/2018
With agriculture accounting for roughly 70 percent of employment and 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in low-income countries, trade in agricultural products has the potential to significantly affect rural employment, incomes and poverty in these countries.
GIEWS Update - The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 5 September 2018
05/09/2018
Below-average rains, coupled with high temperatures from mid-July until mid-August, a critical period for crops, affected 8 percent of the average area cultivated in the main season.
GIEWS Update - Central America, 27 August 2018
27/08/2018
There is a high risk of contraction in the production of basic grain crops in Central America because of the intensified "heat wave" in July, affecting the flowering and grain-filling phases of the crops. The maize and bean crops grown for self-consumption are expected to be the most affected, mainly in the areas of the “Dry Corridor”.
No. 31 WTO Negotiations - Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11) – Outcomes for agriculture and fisheries
15/08/2018
Between 10 and 13 December 2017, Trade Ministers gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to participate in the Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11). Following the conclusion of the meeting, this brief reports on its outcome, with particular reference to the negotiations on agriculture and fisheries.
The Linkages between Migration, Agriculture, Food Security and Rural Development
01/08/2018
Understanding contemporary migration, both international and internal, remains a challenge. The decision by people to migrate either within their own countries or across borders is influenced by an intricate set of factors.
Dairy Market Review - December 2018
12/07/2018
Buoyed by rising export availabilities, dairy prices weakened in the second half of 2018. Milk production increased in key producing countries, including New Zealand in the 2018/19 production cycle. Aided by high production in some regions, global butter supplies improved in recent months, while cheese trade expanded in 2018 at a slow pace than in 2017. Trade in Skim Milk Powder (SMP) and Whole Milk Powder (WMP) expanded on ample supplies and competitive prices.
No. 30 Voluntary sustainability standards in agriculture, fisheries and forestry trade
11/07/2018
This brief discusses the application of voluntary sustainability standards in agriculture, fisheries and forestry trade.
Food Outlook - July 2018
10/07/2018
Food Outlook is published by the Trade and Markets Division of FAO under Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS). It is a biannual publication focusing on developments affecting global food and feed markets. Each report provides comprehensive assessments and short term forecasts for production, utilization, trade, stocks and prices on a commodity by commodity basis and includes feature articles on topical issues. Food Outlook maintains a close synergy with another major GIEWS publication, Crop Prospects and Food Situation, especially with regard to the coverage of cereals. Food Outlook is available in English. The summary section is also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
GIEWS Update - The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, 9 July 2018
09/07/2018
Aggregate crop production in 2017/18 is forecast at 5.5 million tonnes, 5 percent below the 2016/17 level. Production prospects for the 2017/18 early season crops are favourable, partially compensating the reduced main season output gathered in October 2017 that was affected by dry weather conditions. The overall cereal deficit for the 2017/18 marketing year (November/October) is forecast at about 652 000 tonnes, well above the previous year’s already high level, reflecting an anticipated reduction in domestic output and imports.