Trade and Environment Briefings: Sustainable Agriculture - Policy Brief

This policy brief examines how sustainable agricultural practices can catalyse a global shift toward a green economy, balancing environmental protection with economic growth in developing nations. While conventional farming heavily relies on chemical fertilisers and fossil fuels, causing significant environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable alternatives like low tillage and crop rotation enhance productivity and restore ecosystems. The analysis highlights substantial economic opportunities, particularly within expanding developed country markets for organic exports. However, smallholders face significant barriers from trade-distorting international subsidies and costly certification standards.