Why is IPC’s work important?
IPC was formed to promote a more open and equitable global food system – a goal which is still far from realized. As agricultural products continue to be among the most difficult to liberalize, and can serve to hold back trade liberalization in other sectors, IPC’s efforts to clarify policy issues in this field, build consensus around recommendations, and communicate these options to decision-makers are more important than ever. IPC is particularly concerned with achieving greater market access and a level playing field for developing countries. With 1.2 billion people living on $1 a day, economic development is still clearly needed in most of the world. Experience shows that countries that are integrated into the global economy grow faster than those that are not and that open trade is a key determinant of economic growth. This, in turn, is the only path to sustainable poverty reduction. Many developing countries have competitive advantages in agricultural production, but their abilit
