Multifunctionality in agriculture
Multifunctionality in agriculture (often simply multifunctionality) refers to the numerous benefits that agricultural policies may provide for a country or region. Generally speaking, multifunctionality refers to the non-trade benefits of agriculture, that is, benefits other than commerce and food production.[1] These include, in the WTO definition of multifunctionality, environmental protection, landscape preservation, rural employment, and food security.[2] These can be broadly classified as benefits to society, culture, a national economy as a whole, national security, and other concerns. For example, in addition to providing food and plant-derived products for the population, agriculture may also provide jobs for rural people and contribute to the viability of the area, create a more stable food supply, and provide other desired environmental and rural outputs.[3] A nice and clear summary of how more species may support multiple ecosystem functions and the state of biodiversity-ecosystem function research can be found by Slade et al.[4]
Multifunctionality and agricultural policies
The numerous externalities, both positive and negative, which are associated with agriculture are important considerations for policy makers. Sometimes current agricultural practices and markets produce too much of an undesired effect or not enough of a desired one. Governments may step in to correct such market failures with policies designed to either encourage or discourage a certain practice. However, individual policies may carry consequences for other policies and for other countries. Such policies are therefore a major topic of discussion in the international community.[5]
Removing
To help countries formulate their agricultural policies, the
WTO trade discussions
In agricultural trade discussions in the WTO, the EU and Japan, among others, argue that multifunctionality justifies continued protection and subsidization of agriculture. The United States and the Cairns Group argue that support of multifunctionality should be specific, targeted, and provided in a non-trade distorting manner.[11]
References
- ^ "WTO | Glossary - multifunctionality".
- ^ "WTO | Glossary - multifunctionality".
- ^ “Multifunctionality,” OECD Department for Trade and Agriculture, OECD.org, 20 July 2007 <http://www.oecd.org/department/0,3355,en_2649_33779_1_1_1_1_1,00.html>.
- S2CID 198133926.
- ^ “Multifunctionality: About,”OECD Department for Trade and Agriculture, OECD.org, 20 July 2007 <http://www.oecd.org/about/0,3347,en_2649_33779_1_1_1_1_1,00.html>.
- ^ Multifunctionality: Towards an Analytical Framework. Paris: OECD Publications. 2001.[page needed]
- ^ Multifunctionality: Towards an Analytical Framework. Paris: OECD Publications. 2001.[page needed]
- ^ Multifunctionality: Towards an Analytical Framework. Paris: OECD Publications. 2001.[page needed]
- ^ “Multifunctionality: About,”OECD Department for Trade and Agriculture, OECD.org, 20 July 2007 <http://www.oecd.org/about/0,3347,en_2649_33779_1_1_1_1_1,00.html>.
- ^ Multifunctionality: Towards an Analytical Framework. Paris: OECD Publications. 2001.[page needed]
- ^ CRS Report for Congress: Agriculture: A Glossary of Terms, Programs, and Laws, 2005 Edition - Order Code 97-905 Archived 2011-08-10 at the Wayback Machine
External links
- Multifuntionality: OECD Department for Trade and Agriculture
- WTO Glossary - Multifunctionality