The dual Approach of the World Trade Organization to Food Security

Abstract

A dual liberal/protectionist approach has been taken by the World Trade Organization (WTO) toward food security. Being a promoter institution for global trade governance, the organization is one of the forums where solutions for the problem of food insecurity are discussed. Such an approach has been observed in the demands from coalitions of developing countries regarding food and agriculture. Liberalism has therefore been questioned in the current Doha round as the sole way to economic growth and development. Contrary to its liberal inclination, a clause has been approved by the WTO that allows developing countries to subsidise public food reserves devised to ensure food security. The approval of such a clause is an indication that liberalism might not be the only way to development, albeit forming the essence of organizations like the WTO.