Revisiting the agreement on agriculture for sustainability : an assessment of the greenbox provisions

Abstract

There is an intricate relationship between the Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the sustainability imperative within the global agricultural sector. The AOA, established during the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), aimed to liberalise agricultural trade and foster market-oriented policies. However, concerns have arisen regarding its compatibility with sustainability, especially in the face of environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequalities. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the multifaceted concept of sustainability, emphasising its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its vital role in securing the well-being of present and future generations. The agriculture industry, a significant contributor to global climate change, faces profound challenges in achieving sustainability. To improve on this, the study’s research questions revolve around defining sustainability in agriculture, exploring domestic support covered under the AoA with a focus on Green Box (GB) subsidies, and assessing how GB provisions promote sustainability. The study also investigates potential legal changes to enhance sustainability and examines the economic and policy implications, particularly for developed and developing countries, including African nations. The findings reveal that GB subsidies, designed to support farmers and promote sustainability, can unintentionally disincentivise resource-efficient production practices. The study underscores the importance of integrating sustainability measures within GB. Through a comparative analysis of developed and developing jurisdictions, the research highlights the complexity of sustainability discussions, especially in African countries facing food insecurity and climate change vulnerabilities. It explores the reluctance of some nations to embrace sustainability due to trade concerns and economic constraints. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for a collaborative and inclusive approach to global agricultural sustainability for a sustainable trading community.