Our Issue Experts
Carin Smaller
Advisor on Agriculture and Investment
Carin Smaller is an Advisor on Agriculture and Investment for the Economic Law and Policy program. She advises governments and parliamentarians on law and policy issues related to foreign investment in agriculture. She is the author of the IISD Guide to Negotiating Investment Contracts for Farmland and Water, the first attempt to create a model contract for developing countries to attract investment for agriculture, while at the same time, promoting the needs of the poor and protecting the environment.
She has lived and worked in several developing countries, and advised dozens of government officials on how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks from foreign investment in the agriculture sector. She has organized and participated in international conferences on agriculture, trade, investment and human rights; has worked with several NGOs; and has carried out media relations, particularly providing access to the media for people whose voices are not usually heard.
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How to Improve Gender Equality in Agriculture: Investment in Agriculture Policy Brief #5 In this policy brief, we explore how global standards and guidelines contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment, and whether more can be done through these instruments to improve the situation of women in agriculture. -
What it Would Take to End HungerAn event on the sidelines of CFS 43 focused on the public investment required to end hunger. -
Ending Hunger: What would it cost?The International Institute for Sustainable Development and the International Food Policy Research Institute joined forces to estimate what it would cost to end hunger, and the contribution that donors need to make. -
Bayer Tightens Control Over the World’s Food SupplyBayer recently succeeded in a US$ 66 billion takeover bid of Monsanto—the biggest deal this year. While the public wants competitive prices, innovation and choice, these mergers block all three. -
Investment Contracts for Agriculture: Maximizing gains and minimizing risksThis joint IISD, World Bank and UNCTAD discussion paper marries two substantial bodies of research to show how investment contracts can be set up to promote sustainable development. It presents the top five positive outcomes and the five downsides from private sector investments in large-scale agricultural projects. -
IISD Commentary on the FAO–OECD Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply ChainsThis IISD commentary looks at the FAO–OECD Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains.The FAO and OECD are drafting a guidance document... -
The IISD Guide to Negotiating Investment Contracts for Farmland and WaterThe IISD Guide to Negotiating Investment Contracts for Farmland and Water is a legal and policy tool for governments and communities that are... -
Investment Treaty News Quarterly, Volume 5, Issue 2, May 2014In this issue:The Practice of Responsible Investment Principles in Larger-Scale Agricultural Investments; Foreign Investment in Farmland and Water:... -
The Global Response to Foreign Investment in Agriculture Policy Brief #1The global community was taken by surprise at the sharp rise of investor interest in agricultural land and water after the 2008 food crisis.They... -
Investment Treaty News Quarterly, Volume 3, Issue 4, June 2013In this issue:Smart Flexibility Clauses in International Investment Agreements; The Quest for Commodities: Chinese Investment in Farmland;... -
Investment Contracts for Farmland and Water: 10 Steps This document is a tool for parliamentarians, government officials, landholders and local communities who are involved in negotiating investment... -
Farmland and Water: China invests abroadChina is actively investing in agriculture abroad and is now the world's third largest source of foreign investment stocks in agriculture, behind... -
Going public to improve investment in agricultureThis paper makes the case for transparency in investment contracts.It looks at the negative impacts for governments, investors and communities when... -
Making Investment Work for Africa: What role for parliamentarians?Making Investment Work for Africa: What role for parliamentarians? is a discussion note on foreign investment in agricultural land and water... -
Investment Treaty News Quarterly, Volume 2, Issue 1, October 2011In this issue:Rethinking investor-state contracts through a sustainable development lens; Stabilization in investment contracts: Rethinking the... -
A Thirst for Distant Lands: Foreign investment in agricultural land and waterThis paper examines how water is the main driver behind a new wave of foreign investment in the agriculture sector. Investors have made it clear...