DDG Paugam highlights role of trade in addressing global water and food security at GFFA

Addressing agriculture ministers, DDG Paugam underlined that international trade is a key tool to manage growing water stress, noting that more than half of global food production takes place in water-stressed regions. Research has shown that trade in the water embedded in agricultural products - often referred to as "virtual water" - enables water-abundant regions to supply water-intensive goods to water-scarce areas, thereby supporting global food security.

DDG Paugam also emphasized that trade distortions and harmful agricultural subsidies undermine efficient water use. Reforming such support through WTO agriculture negotiations, he said, is not only a trade issue, but a global governance imperative.

Looking ahead to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, which will take place on 26-29 March in Cameroon, DDG Paugam called on members to seize the opportunity to advance reforms of agricultural support and align policies with long-term food security and responsible resource use, building on recent achievements such as the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the elimination of agricultural export subsidies. He concluded by urging ministers of agriculture and trade to work together to help shape the future of global food systems.