 |
 |
|
|
|
| Current trade policies favor rich countries and penalize poor ones. The United States and other industrialized countries maintain very high import tariffs that protect their own farmers from competition from developing country farmers. Reducing tariffs on exports would significantly improve the chances for poor countries to compete in the global market. |
| Similarly, agricultural subsidies in western countries significantly disadvantage farmers in poor countries. Western countries export surplus crops at subsidized prices, flooding local markets in poor countries with cheap subsidized products and making it impossible for local farmers to compete. |
| Allowing poor countries the opportunity to become equal partners in the global economy will result in new products for our markets, markets for our products and more employment in both developing and industrialized countries. There are goods and services developing countries can produce more effectively than industrialized countries, and vice versa. As people in developing countries earn more, they will buy more goods and services from industrialized nations. It is a win-win situation. |
| Fair Trade is another way of leveling the playing field. It cuts out intermediary buyers and guarantees small producers prices that exceed their production costs, providing them with much needed income to feed their families and reinvest in their businesses. |
| Revising trade policies and creating economic opportunities for poor nations are critical components to ending world hunger. |
For more information about these issues, please follow the links below.
- WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
The WTO is a global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations.
www.wto.org
- FAO - TRADE IN AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
FAO's trade work addresses broader policy and market issues of relevance to agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
www.fao.org/trade/index_en.asp
- GLOBAL EXCHANGE
Global Exchange seeks to reform global trade rules, demand that corporations are accountable to people's needs, build strong and free labor and promote fair and environmentally sustainable alternatives.
www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/index.html
- USDA FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) coordinates and directs USDA's responsibilities in international trade negotiations, working closely with the U.S. Trade Representative's office. Trade policy experts at FAS help identify-and work to reduce-foreign trade barriers and other practices and policies that hinder U.S. agricultural exports.
www.fas.usda.gov/
- INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy promotes resilient family farms, rural communities and ecosystems around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy.
www.iatp.org/
- OXFAM
Oxfam supports organizations in poor countries that are demanding pro-poor trade policies from their own governments and the World Trade Organization.
www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/campaigns/
agriculture
- TRANSFAIR USA
A nonprofit organization, TransFair USA is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. Their web site is a resource for information about Fair Trade.
www.transfairusa.org/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
