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The
globalization processes have already dramatically altered
agricultural industry in the last two decades. Trade
liberalization continues to opened markets worldwide and
selective subsidy policies keep production levels high and
global commodity prices low. The increasing power of
transnational food companies fosters a rapid growth of trade
across global agricultural markets.
Still,
serious problems continue to haunt many markets, especially in
the developing countries. Structural adjustment policies aimed at
improving their competitiveness in the global economy often
result in an abrupt collapse of domestic support systems driving
many farmers off land. Also, these countries have to become
export oriented at the expense of the production for local
consumption. At the same time, imports of subsidized produce
from the industrialized world (in particular the U.S. and
European Union) are being forced on them.
Unfair
tariffs constitute another obstacle to the development of a fair
and free trade in agriculture. Even if they tend to disappear,
the growing use of sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, food
safety standards, restrictive labeling practices, local laws and
environmental regulations may erect new barriers for producers
and exporters alike.
Such
developments call for an integrated and interdisciplinary
approach to reconcile interests of all stakeholders, with
the emphasis on those from the emerging economies who produce
and export agricultural products to international markets.
To
equip professionals
from the agriculture industry
with a strong understanding of current
developments and future trends in the areas of their interest
and expertise, and to
enhance local agricultural trade education standards, WTU
has launched three programs:
These Programs are designed for
agricultural
exporters, executives of small & medium agribusinesses or
agricultural trade-related businesses.
To request information on these
future programs,
click here. |
