'Multifunctionality' and 'non-trade concerns' in the agriculture negotiations

Abstract

In March 2000 talks recommenced on the renegotiation of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture after the failure of the Seattle Ministerial Meeting in December 1999. International agricultural trade regulation has always been challenging for both the GATT and the WTO and it is likely that it will remain difficult in the renegotiation discussions. The root of the problem this time is whether 'non-trade concerns' should be included into the amended agreement. In essence, Members are being asked to consider if agricultural support measures can be retained where they also have positive effects in other sectors. This note highlights the problems of incorporating 'non-trade concerns', whilst preventing it becoming yet another smokescreen for agricultural protectionism. The note highlights three difficulties. Firstly, whether there is a difference between the terms 'multifunctionality' and 'non-trade concerns'. Secondly, which issues could be 'non-trade trade concerns' for the purposes of the amended agreement, and thirdly, the difficulties relating to the implementation method.