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R. L. THOMPSON, International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council, 1616 P St. N.W., Ste. 100, Washington, DC 20036 The agriculture, food, and beverage products industry is increasingly subject to the forces of globalization. Thanks to increased consumer purchasing power and improved living standards in many countries, trade in processed food products has increased to 75% of global agricultural trade. Because of these recent developments, rules need to be established that promote the efficient and sustainable growth of a globally competitive agrifood industry. At the same time, efforts must be redoubled to enhance food security, to allow the equitable distribution of wealth, and to promote social cohesion. This paper will attempt to respond to these needs. It considers the state of today's processed foods sector and the problems that arise in efforts to liberalize the trade of these goods. The trade-related questions of product aggregation, technical barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as intellectual property and investment strategies, will be reviewed. This paper concludes with recommendations for trade policy reform in the processed foods and beverages sector, designed to assist trade negotiators and other policymakers.
Session 27, Global harmonization of legislation of food products and processes
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |