A Misguided Approach To Agricultural Support
Farmer's Weekly|July 16, 2021
A new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has found that even though agricultural support measures have continued to grow worldwide in recent years, the type of support given often fails to meet its stated aims of improving food security, livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
A Misguided Approach To Agricultural Support

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has been monitoring developments in agricultural support in OECD countries annually since 1988, with an increasing number of economies outside the OECD area included over this period.

The current assessment covers 54 countries across six continents, and includes all OECD member countries, five non-OECD EU member states, and 12 emerging and developing economies, including South Africa. Together, these countries represent three-quarters of global value-added agriculture.

A new report by the OECD, ‘Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2021’, shows that these countries provided on average US$720 billion (about R10 trillion) of support to agriculture annually between 2018 and 2020. In nominal terms, this was twice the level observed between 2000 and 2002, but it was nevertheless lower when expressed relative to the size of the sector.

However, just 6% of all budgetary transfers to the sector, or US$26 billion (R371 billion) per year, were spent on agricultural innovation systems, despite their high social returns. Investments in agricultural innovation, biosecurity and infrastructure accounted for US$76 billion (R1,1 trillion), or 17% of support to agriculture, despite their strong potential to boost sustainable productivity growth and improve resilience.

In contrast, half of the support to agriculture is market-distorting, inequitable and harmful to both the environment and global food security.

AN OVERVIEW OF SUPPORT AND SPENDING

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 16, 2021-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 16, 2021-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS FARMER'S WEEKLYAlle anzeigen
Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
Farmer's Weekly

Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA

It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.

time-read
1 min  |
November 29, 2024
Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
Farmer's Weekly

Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness

A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024
Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
Farmer's Weekly

Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions

In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.

time-read
1 min  |
November 29, 2024
Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
Farmer's Weekly

Harnessing wind for cleaner energy

At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Farmer's Weekly

The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine

Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024
Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector
Farmer's Weekly

Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector

Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024
Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production
Farmer's Weekly

Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production

Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024
Optimising cherry production and quality
Farmer's Weekly

Optimising cherry production and quality

Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
Farmer's Weekly

Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success

JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Farmer's Weekly

The business of pig farming: practical steps for success

Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 29, 2024