ISHS Acta Horticulturae 97: VI Symposium on Horticultural Economics
INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICY FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES |
| Author: | L. Hinton |
| Abstract:
The attempt is made to set out the facts of international trade policy for fruit and vegetables, little of which is found in the literature, especially when compared with the great number of contributions on agricultural and food trade policy which concern the staple commodities of the world food supply. This is, of course, a major issue in the World Economy - the facts are wellknown and the subject gives rise to considerable debate by contributors from most parts of the world. Trade in fruit and vegetables depends on a viable demand in advanced countries. In many ways they are luxuries, though contemporary nutritional findings modify this. The consumers live substantially in the rich countries, while a number of important producers are in the poorer countries - so international trade policy for fruit and vegetables is of some genuine significance, and also a subject for genuine debate. The trade policy of the EEC is given particular attention, because of its importance. EEC trade concessions are considered in some detail, and the implications of EEC enlargement are discussed. The Yaondé and Lomé agreements are considered as they could be important steps in trade liberalisation. The United States and Japan have fruit and vegetable trade policies very similar to that of the EEC - they are also similar in their effects. All are based on agricultural protection, and all three governments will have to make soul-searching and well phased adjustments in domestic production if their trade policy is to change. The Comecon trade policy is designed to supply the Soviet Union, principally from Eastern Europe. Demand for fruit and vegetables is rising in the USSR and if the trend continues, it will shift the present balance of trade policies. Of more imminence is the effect of present trade policies on limiting the economic development of the poorer countries of the world. The world energy crisis would also suggest changes in the international trade policies for fruit and vegetables. | |
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