What's Happening?
The global food security landscape is being strained by complex non-tariff barriers that impede market access and undermine food system resilience. According to a report by the Economist Enterprise, these barriers, which include standards, certifications,
and regulatory requirements, create significant friction in global food trade. The report highlights that while tariffs are often the focus of policy debates, non-tariff barriers pose a more substantial challenge by increasing costs and reducing market access for farmers. This situation affects the affordability and resilience of food systems, as farmers struggle to invest in innovations due to inconsistent and arbitrary trade rules. The report calls for harmonizing standards and building regional coalitions to address these hidden barriers, thereby enhancing market access and food system resilience.
Why It's Important?
Addressing non-tariff barriers is crucial for improving global food security and ensuring that food systems can withstand shocks such as pandemics and climate change. By reducing these barriers, farmers can gain better access to markets, leading to increased profitability and the ability to invest in sustainable practices. This, in turn, can enhance the resilience of food systems, ensuring a stable supply of affordable and nutritious food. The report emphasizes that strategic domestic production combined with efficient global trade is essential for building resilient food systems. Policymakers and industry leaders must prioritize addressing these barriers to transform food system fragility into strength.
What's Next?
The report suggests that achieving a single global standard for food trade is a long-term goal, but immediate action can be taken by building regional coalitions and harmonizing standards. Developing countries, in particular, require capacity-building support to meet export requirements and integrate into global markets. Policymakers are encouraged to focus on strategic resilience by identifying essential crops for domestic production and those that can be efficiently sourced through trade. By addressing non-tariff barriers, nations can create functional markets that support farmers, provide consumers with affordable food, and enhance the overall resilience of food systems.
