Reforming agricultural markets to support emissions reductions
March 2023
The role that support policies play in either increasing or decreasing global agricultural GHG emissions is attracting greater scrutiny, with several studies pointing to contrasting impacts. However, agriculture is only one part of a broader food system. Not only do agricultural subsidies and tariff protections matter, but so do the trade distortions that impact downstream food production and trade. This report provides technical details on previously published ABARES research used to support Australia's WTO negotiating team to advance Australia's efforts to reduce global trade distortions.
Emissions, agricultural support and food security
November 2022
Agriculture puts food on tables around the world. It also contributes to global emissions. To meet the global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to seek all avenues for reduction. Agriculture and related land use accounts for around 12% of global emissions. Global agrifood production remains heavily subsidised and protected in many parts of the world, implying that avoidable emissions are subsidised by taxpayers around the world. A reduction in global agrifood subsidies, tariffs and quotas would lead to a recalibration of agrifood production, with implications for emissions. Could the world cut emissions from agrifood production, improve food security and raise global economic growth?
Food security: the role of international trade and support
July 2022
Food security is an important national policy goal for leaders around the world. Ending hunger is a UN Sustainable Development Goal. This report explores evidence in food security debates: what is food security? How does food security relate to trade and domestic support, household incomes, food availability, and food prices? It also considers the limitations of trying to achieve food self-sufficiency though protection and support, and alternative approaches to achieve food security goals.
Food security - The impact of export restrictions
June 2022
In response to rising grain prices, some governments have introduced export restrictions in an attempt to ease domestic food prices. The 2007-08 global food crisis demonstrated that widespread export restrictions are detrimental to global food security and provide questionable benefits to domestic food price stability. While governments are unable to influence the global growing conditions, they can take steps to improve global food security. Measures include proactively eliminating export restrictions and other distortions to global markets, short-term humanitarian aid and market transparency.