America has now put forward radical proposals for all countries to abolish agricultural export subsidies.
Besides being unconstitutional, this upset aid donors and threatened Zimbabwe's agricultural export earnings.
The only problem is that current law precludes the extension of Commodity Credit Corporation agricultural export credits unless there is a reasonable prospect of repayment.
Cheekily, perhaps, in view of its own farm bill, Washington has proposed the eventual abolition of all agricultural export subsidies and a limit on domestic farm subsidies of 5% of the value of total domestic production.
Agriculture Department and banking officials said they could not recall a previous instance in which a major guaranteed agricultural-export loan had been claimed entirely by foreign banks.
Removing export subsidies on agricultural products would raise the price of those products on world markets.
By focusing less on export-led agricultural policies and instead forging strategic local and regional agricultural policies, activists argued, nations would be able to better meet the nutritional needs of their populations.
The grand plan behind the agricultural development, known as Toshka, was to turn fertile land into an agricultural hub that could feed Egyptians and export fresh fruits and vegetables to other Middle Eastern countries and Europe.
FORBES: Saudi Prince Alwaleed Gives Up Most Of Disputed Egypt Land
Brazil then sees Africa as a means of diversifying its export markets in such sectors as food, seeds and agricultural machinery while internationalising production of its major companies such as oil and biofuels giant Petrobras and mining colossus Vale.
FORBES: What Nikolas Kozloff Misses In Brazil's 'Scramble' For Africa
For the last several years, he has led engagements focused on identifying challenges and opportunities across the agricultural market and supply chain in sub-Saharan Africa, including cash crops (for export), staples, and horticulture.
The issue is whether Europe, eager to export its industrial goods, is ready in return to open both its industrial and its agricultural doors.
应用推荐