The Agriculture Committee has made progress in enhancing transparency and notifications, with two key decisions recently adopted. The Chair announced the conclusion of the third triennial review of the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition, finalized in December 2024 through a written procedure. This resulted in a comprehensive export competition notification requirements package, which streamlines previous requirements and integrates the export competition questionnaire from the Nairobi Decision.
In addition, members adopted a document aimed at improving transparency in Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) administration notifications to implement the Bali Decision on TRQ administration. This decision was recognized as a significant achievement following months of dialogue.
The committee also began discussions on reviewing the operation of the Bali Decision for a second time, sharing expectations for this process.
Reports from international organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), International Grains Council (IGC), and World Bank were presented to update members on food security and agricultural developments. The WFP highlighted an escalating global food security crisis affecting 343 million people across 74 countries in 2024. It emphasized conflict as a primary driver and called for political solutions to enhance food systems and local economies.
The IGC projected record grain production for 2025–26 due to strong demand from Asia and Africa. It also mentioned efforts to improve trade statistics for rice types globally. The World Bank introduced its Global Challenge Program on Food and Nutrition Security, focusing on early warning systems and access to climate finance for smallholders.
Members expressed gratitude for these updates but raised concerns about food insecurity challenges faced by least developed countries (LDCs) and net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs). Discussions also covered recommendations from the Food Security Work Programme at the 12th Ministerial Conference.
Disagreements persist over reviewing NFIDC lists annually, with some members favoring data-based reviews while others oppose additional data submissions beyond current list inclusion.
During policy reviews, members raised questions regarding individual notifications related to agriculture commitments. A total of 208 questions were addressed, covering new topics like Australia's food program, Brazil's rural initiative, Canada's farm support programs, EU tariffs on Russian imports, India's sugar support policies among others.
Since November 2024's meeting, there have been 110 individual notifications submitted covering market access and other areas under review by the committee.
An informal meeting held earlier discussed technology transfer guidance within WTO frameworks promoting agricultural innovations essential for improving food security; however barriers remain challenging affordable access leading some members suggesting future seminars exploring both policy considerations practical case studies further sustainable agriculture expert-led discussions capacity building developing economies collaboration regional research centers continuing agenda item next meetings planning work upcoming June meeting new chair election ongoing consultations inter-American institute cooperation agriculture introduced work plan cooperation organizing seminar Paraguay train government officials region improve notification negotiation skills next scheduled June