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The Common Agricultural Policy after 2013 Public Debate European Commission July 23, 2010
Adobe PDF file 357k Document summary
Summary report of public debate on CAP reform discussion taking place in the European Commission.
Comment on the European Commission's Market Abuse Directive Steve Suppan/IATP July 23, 2010
Adobe PDF file 897k Document summary
This comment focuses on the European Commission's proposals to regulate financial derivatives and the impact on agriculture.
Review of 2010 OECD reports on financial speculation David Frenk, Better Markets, Inc. June 30, 2010
Adobe PDF file 448k Document summary
Frenk et al review both the methodology and the data of a Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development preliminary study by Irwin and Sanders that purports index and swap funds had little impact on prices in energy and agdriculture futures markets. Frenk concludes that the study may be disregarded because its statistical analysis is inappropriate for the data selected and because the study is contradicted by other studies of the same data that used more relevant statistical methodologies.
Appel international pour une approche coordonnee des reserves alimentaires June 28, 2010
Adobe PDF file 89k Document summary
En 2010, nous, organisations de la societe civile soussignees, demeurons preoccupees par le manque d'action de la part des gouvernements et des institutions pour examiner la possibilite de creer un systeme de reserves alimentaires au niveau regional ou mondial. Nous appelons particulierement les gouvernements a honorer leurs engagements a examiner de maniere complete la question des reserves alimentaires, en tenant compte des enseignements tires et en identifiant les modeles potentiels, en affectant les ressources adaptees et en definissant une date limite ferme quant aux differentes etapes de la mise en euvre, d'ici la fin 2010.
La salvacion por el presupuesto? Steve Suppan June 19, 2010
Adobe PDF file 57k Document summary
A commentary featured in La Jornada del Campo by IATP's Steve Suppan
The New Climate Debt: Carbon Trading Wrapped in a Green Bond Proposal Steve Suppan June 8, 2010
Adobe PDF file 81k Document summary
A new proposal by the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) for “green sectoral bonds” would transform global climate finance from a public fiduciary duty, primarily funded by developed countries, to a new source of developing-country debt to private creditors—and a new source of profits for IETA members.
Food reserves: potential in enhancing food security Wim Olthof/DG Development June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 990k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation is part of a seminar held in Brussels in June 2010, on the potential and challenges of food reserves.
Food reserves: A key to addressing price variability, food security, and even trade Dr. Daryll Ray/Agriculture Policy Analysis Center June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 2144k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation is part of a convening on food reserves held in Brussels in June 2010.
Reservas Estratégicas Alimentarias: una decisión inaplazable para enfrentar la crisis alimentaria, las “imperfecciones del mercado” y los impactos del cambio climático en México y Centroamérica (Mesoamérica) Victor Suarez/ANEC Mexico June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 417k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation was part of a workshop in Brussels on the opportunities and challenges of food reserves.
Les stocks et la sécurité alimentaires:quelques éléments d’introduction Nicolas Bricas/CIRAD June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 50k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation was part of a workshop held in Brussels on June 1 on the potential and challenges of food reserves.
Overview of the Committee on World Food Security UN Committee on World Food Security June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 915k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation was made as part of an international workshop on food reserves held in Brussels in June 2010.
Strengthening household and community food reserve systems: an Asia experience Asia DHRRA June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 577k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation is part of a workshop on food reserves in Brussels in June 2010.
The need for a rice reserve mechanism in southeast Asia Riza Bernabe/Asian Farmers Association June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 486k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation is part of an international workshop in Brussels in June 2010 on the potential and challenges of food reserves.
Reform of the food aid convention Transatlantic food assistance dialogue June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 512k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation was made as part of an international workshop held in Brussels in June 2010 on the potential and challengs of food reserves.
Food reserves and global trade rules Sophia Murphy/IATP June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 298k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation is part of an international workshop held in Brussels in June 2010 on the potential and challenges of food reserves.
How to deal with food price instability Niek Koning/Wageningen June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 246k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation was part of an international workshop held in Brussels in June 2010 on the potential and challenges of food reserves.
Mise en place D'un stock regional alimentaire Amadou MactarKonate/CILSS June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 378k Document summary
This powerpoint presentation was part of an international workshop in Brussels in June 2010 on the potential and challenges of food reserves.
Food reserves from an East African perspective Philip Kiriro/East African Farmers Association June 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 393k Document summary
This presentation was made as part of a workshop on food reserves in Brussels in June 2010.
Public health groups call for representation on USTR advisory committees Public health groups May 25, 2010
Adobe PDF file 26k Document summary
This comment to the U.S. Trade Representative calls for representation of public health experts on U.S. Trade Advisory Committees.
Llamamiento internacional para un enfoque coordinado hacia las reservas alimentarias Multiple Organizations May 20, 2010
Adobe PDF file 51k Document summary
It is time to take decisive action to address the structural causes of food insecurity and to prevent a repeat of recent food price spikes. Food reserves are a valuable tool in improving access and distribution of food. They can strengthen the ability of governments to limit excessive price volatility for both farmers and consumers.
International Call for a Coordinated Approach to Food Reserves Multiple Organizations May 16, 2010
Adobe PDF file 55k Document summary
It is time to take decisive action to address the structural causes of food insecurity and to prevent a repeat of recent food price spikes. Food reserves are a valuable tool in improving access and distribution of food. They can strengthen the ability of governments to limit excessive price volatility for both farmers and consumers.
Commodity market regulatory pathways not yet chosen Steve Suppan May 13, 2010
Adobe PDF file 72k Document summary
Paper submitted as response to the UNCTAD Call for Inputs for the 2010 Public Symposium, May 10&ndash11, 2010.
World Financial Perspectives Sean Cota May 6, 2010
Adobe PDF file 310k Document summary
A chart that compares the value of unregulated, off exchange Over the Counter financial and commodity derivatives to exchange traded contracts and the global Gross Domestic Product.
Letter to the U.S. Senate Commodity Markets Oversight Coalition May 4, 2010
Adobe PDF file 82k Document summary
The letter explains why the CMOC supports a bill to narrow exemptions to trading financial and commodity derivatives contracts on regulated exchanges and opposes broad exemptions to exchange trading proposed by Wall Street and the Coalition of Derivatives End Users.
Letter to the U.S. Senate Coalition of Derivatives End Users April 29, 2010
Adobe PDF file 207k Document summary
The letter proposes deletions and alternative language to the "Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010" that would carve out regulatory exemptions for trades between Coalition members and the financial institutions that trade in unregulated "dark markets."
In global climate negotiations: Agriculture not just one more sector Karen Hansen-Kuhn April 16, 2010
Adobe PDF file 245k Document summary
Any international negotiations or initiatives on climate change and agriculture must begin with recognition of the multifunctionality of agriculture. It is not just one more sector.
Water and Climate Change: What's the Connection? Our Water Commons April 15, 2010
Adobe PDF file 1208k Document summary
A fact sheet on solving the global climate and water crises together.
El agua y el cambio climático:¿Cuál es la conexión entre los dos? Our Water Commons April 15, 2010
Adobe PDF file 1124k Document summary
Una hoja de datos con información sobre una solución a la crisis del clima y el agua.
Declaration on the Connection Between Water and Climate Justice IATP and On the Commons April 15, 2010
Adobe PDF file 20k Document summary
A declaration calling for joint solutions to the climate and water crisis.
Response to request for input on human rights obligations in the context of private-sector participation in the provision of water and sanitation services Shiney Varghese/IATP April 15, 2010
Adobe PDF file 203k Document summary
Which obligations do States bear in the context of private sector participation in the provision of water and sanitation services?

What should the regulatory framework put into place by States provide for?

Apart from regulation, what additional measures, structures and institutions are necessary?
Especulando con el Carbono IATP April 15, 2010
Adobe PDF file 70k Document summary
En las actuales negociaciones sobre el cambio climático global se trata a las emisiones de gas de invernadero como una mercancía que puede ser transada. Las transacciones de carbono en mercados pobremente regulados de futuros de productos primarios han entorpecido los esfuerzos en enfrentar el cambio climático. Los planes para expandir las transacciones de carbono pueden afectar también la seguridad alimentaria. Un mercado de derivados de carbones es innecesario y no debe ser parte de las políticas nacionales o internacionales.
Speculating on Carbon: The Next Toxic Asset Fact Sheet Adapted by Ben Lilliston April 9, 2010
Adobe PDF file 61k Document summary
Global climate change negotiations currently treat greenhouse gas emissions as a tradable commodity. Carbon trading on poorly regulated commodity futures markets has disrupted efforts to address climate change. The planned expansion of carbon trading could also adversely affect food security. A carbon derivatives market is unnecessary and should not be part of national or international climate policy. Fact sheet adapted from a longer report of the same title.
Brazil-U.S. Cotton Dispute Brazilian Foreign Trade Council (CAMEX) April 5, 2010
Adobe PDF file 10k Document summary
This CAMEX resolution outlines the terms by which Brazil postpones World Trade Organization authorized retaliation against U.S. cotton export subsidies and export credit guarantee programs applied to cotton exports.
Comment on the Comprehensive Framework for Action on the Global Food Crisis IATP March 31, 2010
Adobe PDF file 859k Document summary
A comment from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy to the UN High Level Task Force on responding to the global food crisis.
March 2010 Status Report on the GATS Working Party on Domestic Regulation Ellen Gould March 30, 2010
Adobe PDF file 137k Document summary
The WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) continued to negotiate rules to limit or prohibit government regulation of dozens of kinds of service industries, including financial services, food retailing and agricultural services, such as irrigation. This report gives the current state of negotiations, which may result in a new WTO agreement, despite the paralysis in other WTO negotiations.
Letter to the U.S. Senate agriculture committee Commodity Markets Oversight Coalition March 25, 2010
Adobe PDF file 78k Document summary
This letter states the priorities of the Commodity Markets Oversight Coalition for the title of financial services reform legislation that governs Over the Counter (off exchange) derivatives contracts. The CMOC offers its cooperation to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate agriculture committee, which is draftinng a portion of the bill.
Letter to the U.S. Senate on commodity speculation NGOs and faith based organizations March 25, 2010
Adobe PDF file 21k Document summary
This letter from 80 NGOs and faith based organizations concerns the U.S. Senate debate over financial services reform and the damage done to food security in developing countries because of commodity market deregulation.
International Workshop on Sustainable Food and Agriculture IATP March 12, 2010
Adobe PDF file 240k Document summary
Agenda from the International Workshop on Sustainable Food and Agriculture held in Beijing, China, March 12-15.
食品与农业可持续发展国际研讨会 IATP March 12, 2010
Adobe PDF file 271k Document summary
International Workshop on Sustainable Food and Agriculture agneda in Chinese.
NAFTA: Fueling market concentration in agriculture Alexandra Spieldoch/IATP March 11, 2010
Adobe PDF file 97k Document summary
This fact sheet includes testimonies from farm group representatives in the U.S., Canada and Mexico on the role of the North American Free Trade Agreement in further concentrating agriculture markets.
Climate Inequity Shalini Gupta and Cecilia Martinez March 5, 2010
Adobe PDF file 95k Document summary
This paper reviews the disproportionate role of wealthy nations in contributing global GHG emissions, contrasted with the role of poorer nations and people. It finds extreme inequity in terms of who contributes to climate change and who benefits from GHG-intensive development patterns. The paper links the eradication of the Indigenous commons in the U.S., and the capture of agriculture and farming by agribusiness, to the same market-based philosophy underlying the industrial world's approach to climate change. The paper concludes that long-lasting solutions to climate change must inherently be equitable in order to be sustainable.
IATP comment to CFTC on speculative position limits IATP March 4, 2010
Adobe PDF file 2624k Document summary
This comment to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regards a proposed rule to implement speculative position limits for energy contracts.
Commodity Market Deregulation and Food Prices Steve Suppan/IATP March 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 126k Document summary
This article in the Spring 2010 issue of Food Ethics Magazine looks at the role of Wall Street speculators in creating extreme volatility in food prices.
G33 on price-based SSM G33 February 11, 2010
Adobe PDF file 345k Document summary
G33 on price-based SSM
G33 paper on SSM seasonality G33 February 5, 2010
Adobe PDF file 150k Document summary
G33 paper on seasonality
G33 paper on SSM cross-check G33 February 5, 2010
Adobe PDF file 166k Document summary
G33 paper on SSM cross-check
Cantwell, End-Users Advocate Tough Derivatives Reform Senator Cantwell February 3, 2010
Adobe PDF file 40k Document summary
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said today Congress and the Obama administration must establish tough regulatory oversight and transparency in derivatives trading and commodities markets to prevent abuses that helped bring about the economic crisis.
Statement in Support of Cantwell Bill on Speculation Mike Masters February 3, 2010
Adobe PDF file 150k Document summary
Michael Masters, of Masters Capital Management, an investment management firm, comments on the Cantwell bill and the critical need for derivatives reform in food and energy commodities, as well as in the larger financial markets.
G33 submission on SSM G33 January 28, 2010
Adobe PDF file 90k Document summary
G33 submission on SSM
A Messy Confrontation of a Crisis in Agricultural Science Shelley Feldman, Stephen Biggs and Rajeswari Raina January 16, 2010
Adobe PDF file 181k Document summary
The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) was initiated and negotiated among fierce debates over the performance of international agricultural science and technology institutions in contributing to the livelihoods of poor producers and consumers, while conserving and enhancing agricultural natural resources. A global IAASTD report and five regional ones synthesized peer reviewed scientific and non-reviewed government literature. This paper documents the four year long process of producing these reports, a process modeled methodologically after the International Panel on Climate Change. IATP participated in writing the policy options chapter of the Global Report and also contributed comments to the Global Report chapter on agricultural investment.
A Messy Confrontation of a Crisis in Agricultural Science Shelley Feldman, Stephen Biggs, Rajeswari Raina January 16, 2010
Adobe PDF file 183k Document summary
The paper offers a window on both ongoing debates in agricultural science and the experiences of other recent international assessments of energy, the environment, and climate change. It is concerned with analysing how the iaastd was designed and written, for what it can tell us about the conclusions drawn and controversies raised.
Joint Principles for Regulation of the U.S. Financial and Commodity Derivatives Markets Commodity Markets Oversight Coalition and Americans for Financial Reform January 15, 2010
Adobe PDF file 43k Document summary
These Principles constitute a common platform for a group of more than 60 consumer groups, business associations, farmer organizations, NGOs, energy traders and independent financial analysts. The platform will be used to persuade the U.S. Congress and regulators to regulate financial and commodity derivatives stringently to prevent another financial industry debacle, and economic crisis.
Agricultural Land Acquisitions: Implications for Food Security and Poverty Alleviation Alexandra Spieldoch, Sophia Murphy/IATP January 1, 2010
Adobe PDF file 267k Document summary
A chapter in the book Land Grab? The Race for the World's Farmland.
Derivatives Pie Charts Bank of International Settlements December 31, 2009
Adobe PDF file 64k Document summary
Pie charts that categorize the kinds of traders and value of trades of Over the Counter (unregulated, off exchange) commodity and financial derivatives trades, according to data submitted anonymously to the Bank of International Settlements after the expiration of the trade contracts. The data gives a broad overview of the dominant market but arrive too late to be of use for active monitoring and regulation of the OTC markets.
The Global Food Challenge: Executive Summary FIAN - EAA - IATP December 16, 2009
Adobe PDF file 327k Document summary
Cover pages, introduction and executive summary of The Global Food Challenge
The Global Food Challenge: Fundamentals FIAN - EAA - IATP December 16, 2009
Adobe PDF file 289k Document summary
Section A of The Global Food Challenge including "A Human Rights Approach to Trade and Investment Policies" by Olivier De Schutter and "Agricultural Trade Liberalization in Multilateral and Bilateral Trade Negotiations" by Tobias Reichert.
The Global Food Challenge: Case Studies on Trade, Investment and the Right to Food FIAN - EAA - IATP December 16, 2009
Adobe PDF file 710k Document summary
Section B of The Global Food Challenge, including "World Agricultural Trade and Human Rights-Case studies on violations of the right to food of small farmers" by Armin Paasch, "Foreign Investment and the Right to Food" by Rolf K�nnemann and "Women at the Center of the Global Food Challenge" by Alexandra Spieldoch.
The Global Food Challenge: New Challenges and Threats FIAN - EAA - IATP December 16, 2009
Adobe PDF file 357k Document summary
Section C of The Global Food Challenge, including "The Role of Speculation in the 2008 Food Price Bubble" by Peter Wahl and "Deepening the Food Crisis? Climate change, food security and the right to food" by Thomas Hirsch, Christine Lottje and Michael Windfuhr
The Global Food Challenge: Human Rights Based Alternatives and Tools FIAN - EAA - IATP December 16, 2009
Adobe PDF file 372k Document summary
Section D of The Global Food Challenge, including "An Overview of Human Rights Instruments to Raise Concerns About Trade and Investment Policies" by Elvira Dom�nguez Redondo and Magdalena Sep�lveda Carmona, "Towards a Convention on the Rights of Peasants" by Christophe Golay and "Bridging the Divide: A human rights vision for global food trade" by Sophia Murphy and Carin Smaller
The Global Food Challenge: Abbreviations, List of authors and Publication Information FIAN - EAA - IATP December 16, 2009
Adobe PDF file 599k Document summary
The final sections of The Global Food Challenge, including definitions of abbreviations, a list of contributing authors and information about the publication.
Report on FAO/WHO Experts Meeting on Food and Nanotechnology United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization December 10, 2009
Adobe PDF file 628k Document summary
This report summarizes a May 2009 meeting of about 25 experts on the applications of nanotechnology to food, feed and agricultural chemicals. The report also reviews how risk analysis principles of the Codex Alimentarius Commission might be applied to agricultural and food productions with nano-particles.
Comments to the Senate Banking Committee’s Committee Print Title VII of the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2009 Coalition for Derivatives End Users December 3, 2009
Adobe PDF file 148k Document summary
Major corporate users of collateralized debt obligations, credit default swaps and other financial and commodity derivatives argue that they should be exempt from trading on regulated and public exchanges, i.e. that they should continue to be able to trade 'Over the Counter,' or in 'dark markets.'
WTO Ministerial fails to make progress, again IATP December 2, 2009
Adobe PDF file 57k Document summary
Negotiations at the World Trade Organization are intractably stalled as trade ministers find themselves stuck debating a Doha Round that has long been outdated for the times. Instead, trade ministers need to step back and chart a new course for trade, according to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.
Chairman summary Minister Velasco December 2, 2009
Adobe PDF file 16k Document summary
WTO 7th Ministerial Conference summary
The Brave New World of Carbon Trading Clive L. Spash December 1, 2009
Adobe PDF file 248k Document summary
Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions trading is the major mitigation instrument of the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This paper analyzes the economic theory of emissions trading, Australian and EU emissions trading legislation and the performance of carbon markets in reducing Green House Gasses. It concludes that carbon trading is a distraction from the urgent business of investing directly to supplant current technology and policies with ones directed towards a low carbon economy.
IGDC communique IGDC November 30, 2009
Adobe PDF file 16k Document summary
IGDC communique
Agriculture and Climate Change—The Critical Connection Jim Kleinschmit November 30, 2009
Adobe PDF file 786k Document summary
This paper provides an overview on the multiple ways agriculture impacts and is impacted by climate change. It makes the case that sustainable farming systems can reduce agriculture’s GHG emissions and be a primary vehicle to stabilize and reverse climate change, while continuing to provide food, feed, fiber, and energy in a changing climate.
Global food challenge: the book FIAN - EAA - IATP November 30, 2009
Adobe PDF file 2455k Document summary
Global food challenge: the book
Climate and Agriculture: A Just Response (Executive Summary) IATP November 30, 2009
Adobe PDF file 703k Document summary
Executive summary of IATP's Climate and Agriculture series for the UNCCC Copenhagen climate talks in December 2009.
Putting Agriculture on the Global Climate Agenda Anne-Laure Constantin November 30, 2009
Adobe PDF file 279k Document summary
In 2009, agriculture’s role within climate negotiations has become much more prominent, becoming part of the official negotiating text. Many developing country delegations are concerned that UNFCCC negotiators have not yet devoted adequate time or resources on the best ways to deal with agriculture within the text. This paper outlines a series of benchmarks for including agriculture within global climate talks.


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Global Food ChallengeGlobal Food Challenge
IATP explains the policies that have caused the food crisis and the solutions we need.

Green ChemistryGreen Chemistry
The Green Chemistry revolution is making safer products and protecting human health and the environment.

Local FoodsLocal Foods
IATP analyzes the key policy and marketplace issues driving local food systems.

NAFTANAFTA
NAFTA leaves a huge footprint on the U.S. and the world. As Washington gears up for the debate, IATP analyzes what's at stake.

WaterWater
From ethanol to privatization, water is a hot issue in trade and agriculture worldwide. Trade Observatory has document and headline collections dedicated to water issues.

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Keep up-to-date on the latest trade issues at Think Forward.