The Importance of Trade for Food Security

Abstract The important contribution international trade has in meeting the food security challenges that will arise in the first half of the twenty-first century is explained. The dual effect of rising population and increasing incomes among the world’s poorest consumers on food demand is outlined. Slowing rates of increase in global agricultural productivity will add to the difficulties in increasing food production. The areas where food demand will increase the most are not where increases in food production can take place, meaning that international movement of foodstuffs must fill the gap.