How Can WTO Rules Foster Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture in Developing Countries?

About the event

Despite the volatility and uncertainty in current trade policy, adaptation in the agriculture sector remains an immediate priority for developing countries. To bring this challenge to the fore, IISD organized a webinar to share insights from the research community on how changes to WTO rules could foster climate change adaptation in agriculture in developing countries.

During the webinar, experts discussed (i) the possibilities of identifying adaptation goods in agriculture, making these more affordable and increasing their uptake by developing country farmers, and (ii) repurposing agricultural support toward adaptation-friendly crops and practices while avoiding trade distortions and breaching subsidy limits under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture.

Agenda

1:30–1:35 pm. Welcome Remarks

• Ieva Baršauskaitė, Lead, Trade and the Green Transition, IISD

1:35–1:50 pm. Developing Countries' Adaptation Challenges in Agriculture

• Philip Osano, Centre Director, Africa, Stockholm Environment Institute

1:50–2:05 pm. Adaptation Goods in Agriculture: What do they look like, and how can we increase access to them?

• Katharina Schmidt, Policy Advisor, IISD

2:05–2:20 pm. Policy Space for Climate Change Adaptation Under the WTO Agriculture Agreement

• Lars Brink, Agricultural trade expert, and David Orden, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

2:20–2:40 pm. Q&A.

2:40–2:45 pm. Wrap-up and Conclusions

• Ieva Baršauskaitė, Lead, Trade and the Green Transition, IISD