FORCES RESHAPING WORLD AGRICULTURE

This paper examines many of the forces reshaping world agriculture. Among these forces are increased trade liberalization, agricultural research and development, and new movements in developing countries. Worldwide agricultural production is likely to become more competitive as a result of increased trade liberalization through the World Trade Organization and regional and bilateral free trade agreements. Countries can become more competitive through agricultural research and development. As a result of research and development, total agricultural production has increased significantly across the world over the last several decades. Agricultural research has also led to the development of many new, non-food uses for agricultural products. New movements in developing countries include the substantial increases in agricultural production in Brazil and Argentina, and increases in consumption in China and other countries.