Economic forces and international policies shape the development of the agricultural sector worldwide. Prominent examples are the WTO rules for world trade, the reform of the European Common Agricultural Policy, renewable energy policies and more stringent demands related to the environment and sustainability.
The research group on International Policy provides advice to public and private policy makers, based on up-to-date databases, advanced economic models and in depth expertise on the developments in the agricultural sector and related policies at international, national and regional level. They analyse and provide insight into the consequences of policy changes for farmers’ incomes, trade flows, competition between food, feed and energy, food prices and food security.
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Sectors with high farm payments most severely hit by CAP reforms
Europe's common agricultural policy is set to change. The European Commission has put forward proposals to distribute the income support differently, to invest more in sustainability and further reduce the production support. This has a direct effect on various types of farms.
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Growth set to be a challenge for Dutch agricultural sector
Between now and 2025, agricultural production in the Netherlands will be confronted by environmental limits, particularly with regard to the disposal of manure. Nevertheless, the prospects for this highly productive sector are favourable. read more |
The International Policy research field covers the following six subjects:
Agricultural policy
Agriculture is a key sector in the European Union, generating employment and income for a significant part of the population, contributing to the viability of rural areas and the provision of green and blue public services. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims to develop an efficient agriculture within a sustainable environment. The CAP is complemented by other policies affecting agriculture, such as environmental food safety and biodiversity policies, as well as by national policies at Member State level.
The major themes are:
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Trade policy
International trade flows and relations are shaped by numerous tariff barriers and non-tariff measures (NTMs), which are discussed in an ongoing process of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, such as the WTO. The research group on international trade monitors and analyses changes in trade policies and related trade developments, to provide up-to-date advice to public and private policy makers. Economic models and case studies are used to examine the trade impact of changes in tariffs and non-tariff measures.
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Dutch agro-sector in a global perspective
The Dutch agro-sector is a key player in the supply chains for food, feed and fuel, in the domestic market, the wider EU market and the global market as well. Its competitiveness is crucial to the economic viability and the employment the sector generates. Various policy measures, at national and EU level, with respect to agriculture and food, nature and landscape and the environment have direct impact on the agro-sector.
The International Policy research group closely follows and analyses the developments in the Dutch agricultural sector, including its linkages with the rest of the economy. Sector studies are carried out regularly, analysing trends, impacts of policy measures, structural changes and margin developments.
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International trade and markets
The world is becoming increasingly integrated through international trade. The research group on international trade and markets analyses the effects of international agricultural trade on domestic economies and provides tailor-made agricultural sector studies for specific countries and regions. These studies identify opportunities for the Dutch agro-sector in international markets and specific regions as well as highlighting opportunities for developing countries to access international markets. Some recent studies are:
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Food security
Food security is at the top of the policy agenda due to recent high food prices. Population projections indicate that the world will need to feed 9 billion people in 2050. Combined with major shifts in diets, rising incomes in various parts of the world as well as climate change, this will be a great challenge. The research group focuses on the interaction between (international) markets and food security and nutrition.
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Bio-based economy
Considerable attention is currently being paid to the increasing scarcity of food, water, energy, minerals and metals. The research group focuses on the relationship between agricultural and energy markets, the effect of the growing scarcity of inputs such as water and phosphates on agricultural production potential, and the impact of the growing demand for food, fodder and energy on land use and biodiversity in Europe and worldwide.
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