Special and Differential Treatment in the WTO Agricultural Negotiations

Abstract

This paper examines the case for special and differential (S&D) treatment for developing
countries within the WTO Agreement on Agriculture and the particular instruments or
exemptions it should cover. The S&D treatment currently allowed to developing countries in
the Agreement and the use they have made of it is first described. The range of proposals put
forward by developing countries (and by development NGOs in developed countries) is
summarised, and the S&D provisions in the August 2004 Framework Agreement for
Establishing Modalities in Agriculture are outlined. The reasons why developing countries
want special and differential treatment under the AoA are discussed. Some of the main
proposals in the Development Box are then reviewed in the light of the justifications
presented by its proponents. The paper concludes that the potential exists in the Framework
Agreement to take a significant step towards “operationally effective and meaningful
provisions” for S&D treatment. While noting this positive outcome, the important objective
for developing countries of gaining a reduction in the trade-distorting support and protection
by developed countries should not be forgotten.

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