CLIMATE CHANGE AND AGRIFOOD PRODUCTION: A PROBLEM TO BE TACKLED BY DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

The substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions in recent decades has led to a significant rise in global warming and climate change. In response, governments have introduced policies, including environmental trade regulations, to promote sustainable supply chains. These measures unevenly impact countries, with developing nations facing more significant challenges due to their reliance on primary and agribusiness sectors. Large farms and firms in agrifood chains can often comply with these regulations. However, small and medium producers need help with the financial and technical burdens, risking exclusion from global markets, environmental damage, and reduced productivity and income. Addressing these issues is essential for adapting to and mitigating climate change, enhancing agrifood sustainability, reducing rural poverty, and improving food security in developing countries. This paper proposes immediate G20 actions for South America, such as financing research and extension institutions to develop sustainable agricultural practices for small producers and creating regional programs to encourage forest conservation and low-carbon agriculture. Wealthy countries should fund these initiatives, as they are the ones that impose the strictest environmental measures on international trade.

Keywords

• non-tariff measures
• climate change
• agricultural trade
• developing countries