Trade and Agriculture: A Discourse on Cross Cutting Issues

Several cross-cutting issues on trade and agriculture are emerging in discussions at various international forums, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Bilateral trade agreements. The global agriculture landscape faces multifaceted challenges including ensuring food security, posing a serious concern towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In achieving social, economic and environmental dimensions of SDGs, multilateral rules governing agriculture trade are integral. Amid the negotiations at the WTO, several crosscutting issues have emerged beyond the core negotiation areas. This study delves into some of these issues, encompassing repurposing agricultural subsidies, public stockholding for food security purposes, sustainable food systems, unilateral trade measures, special safeguard mechanisms, cotton, export restrictions, as well as work program for Least Developed Countries and Net Food Importing Developing Countries. It aims to shed light on the discourse surrounding these issues to navigate the complexities of agriculture trade better, fostering a more inclusive global agriculture framework.