Abstract
Food security is an important issue in the current international agenda, for the 2007-2008 economic crisis contributed to the rise in food prices, increasing their volatility. As a complex topic, the efforts to assuring food security cannot be restricted to national initiatives, demanding rather a comprehensive global policy, involving all the interested actors. In this regard, WTO has a shared responsibility in the fight against hunger and in the promotion of the right to food. Trade is one of the many elements related to food security, and it may be a relevant tool in fostering sustainable practices to achieve such goal. Agriculture negotiations in the WTO are aimed at guaranteeing stable and rule-oriented markets, with the liberalization of the agricultural sector and the elimination of distortive practices. Food security is a non-trade concern that must be taken into consideration in the reform talks of the Agreement on Agriculture. The main question on this matter is whether food security should be sought in WTO through the adoption of trade policies, which requires strengthening the discipline on the use of restrictive measures, or through the enhancement of liberalization and cooperation in multiple levels.
Highlights
Fighting hunger has been a major concern in the international society for many decades
As an intricate subject, ensuring food security requi- pecially when it comes to trade in agriculture, which will res a comprehensive approach, reflecting the increasin- be the central point of the present analysis
The main hindrances to the negotiations on agriculture were the permanence of export (c) [...] non-trade concerns, special and differential treatment to developing country Members, and the objective to establish a fair and market-oriented agricultural trading system, and the other objectives and concerns mentioned in the preamble to this Agreement; subsidies; barriers to market access, such as import quotas; disruptive trade practiced by state trading entities; and health and sanitary regulations30
Summary
Fighting hunger has been a major concern in the international society for many decades now. One may associate fighting hunger with fostering the appropriate conditions for the sustainable practice of agriculture, as this activity, alongside forestry and fisheries, can offer nutritious food for all people and be a resource for decent incomes It supports people-centered rural development, since agriculture is the economic sector that employs the most in the world, responsible for the livelihoods of 40 percent of the current global population. In line with the right to food, “exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”10 It is achieved, when the combination of four main elements is identified. The definition of the right to food was discussed in the Committee on Economic, broader approach to promoting food security
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