2009 Conference on the role of Trade in Food Security

October 30, 2009 • 4:00 – 10:15 pm EDT
Global food security requires ongoing investment in agricultural research and development, a push for greater agricultural productivity, and a commitment to sound social safety nets. An open and equitable international agricultural trade system also has a vital role to play. Please join CSIS, the International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council, and a distinguished set of international policy makers, industry leaders, and academics to examine the role of trade in global food security. Building on the trade-related recommendations under consideration by the CSIS Task Force on Food Security, the discussion will address the following questions:
  • What is the contribution of international trade to food security?
  • Is there an improved prospect for an international consensus?
  • How should trade policy figure in the US strategy to promote global food security?

12:00 - 12:30pm Welcome and Introduction, Lunch

  • Dr. John J. Hamre, President and CEO, CSIS
  • Carlo Trojan, Chairman, IPC
  • Reuben Jeffery III, Senior Adviser, CSIS

12:30 - 1:00pm The U.S. Trade Agenda

  • Keynote Speaker: Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)

1:00 - 2:30pm Doha: A Country Perspective

The CSIS Task Force will argue that the United States should actively promote the conclusion of the Doha Round, though many believe large, multilateral trade agreements may be too difficult to manage. Can Parties reach consensus and move the Doha Round forward? What role can the United States play in shaping a global trade agenda that promotes development and food security?

  • Ashok Gulati, IFPRI Director, Asia
  • Jikun Huang, Director, Centre for Chinese Agricultural Policy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, IPC Member
  • Robert Thompson, University of Illinois, IPC Member

2:30 - 2:45pm Break

2:45 - 4:15pm Beyond Market Access: Agricultural Productivity and Trade Capacity

The CSIS Task Force will recommend that regional integration, infrastructure and human capacity must be promoted in an effort to improve trade and food security. This discussion will center on ways in which the United States can best promote agricultural productivity and capacity-building abroad, especially in Africa.

  • Ann Tutwiler, International Advisor, USDA (invited)
  • JB Penn, Chief Economist, John Deere , IPC Member
  • Ajay Vashee, President, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions and the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, IPC Member

4:15 - 5:00pm The Role of Trade and Development; Future of the Doha Round

  • Robert D. Hormats, Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs (invited)

Reception to Follow 

*Details subject to change