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World Development Report for 2008 addresses agriculture for development
Discussion on bringing agriculture to the marketplace in Chapter 5 of report stresses the importance of TSPN member activities
The World Development Report 2008 emphasizes the opportunities and challenges associated with participation in markets for higher value and differentiated food and agricultural products. Particular attention is given to the role of standards in governing access to those markets. The Report notes that while standards are sometimes seen as a 'barrier' to trade, standards can serve to reduce transaction costs, catalyze the modernization of developing country supply chains, and help clarify the necessary and appropriate risk management functions of government. The WDR concludes that "although there will inevitably be winners and losers.....enhanced capacity to comply with strict standards can provide the basis for more sustainable and profitable agrofood exports in the long term." This conclusion is closely shared by members of the Trade Standards Practitioners Network and is expanded upon in greater detail in the 5th chapter of the Report which can be accessed below.
- Chapter 5: Bringing Agriculture to the Market | World Development Report 2008 The World Bank 01 Dec 2007 [pdf, 292 KB]
by
Steve Jaffee