RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS: WORKING PAPERS

Agricultural Trade and Development: A Value Chain Perspective

The system of global agricultural and food trade is undergoing rapid processes of change, with important implications for economic development.

In this paper we document and discuss these changes; including the rapid growth and structural change in agri-food trade, the increased consolidation in food supply chains, the proliferation of public and private food standards, high and volatile food prices, and increased vertical coordination in the chains. We investigate what the implications are of these changes for developing countries, for their participation in international agricultural trade as well as for economic development, income mobility and poverty reduction in rural areas.

 

No: ERSD-2015-04

Authors: Miet Maertens and Johan Swinnen KU Leuven

Manuscript date: April 2015

Key Words:

global food supply chains; vertical coordination; food standards; food prices; developing countries

JEL classification numbers:

F13; L14; O19; O24; Q17; Q18

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Disclaimer 

This is a working paper, and hence it represents research in progress. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of its authors. They are not intended to represent the positions or opinions of the WTO or its members and are without prejudice to members’ rights and obligations under the WTO. Any errors are attributable to the authors.

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