Trade liberalisation affects the pattern and structure of agricultural production, with consequences for the environment. But what are these impacts? And do agri-environmental policies affect international competitiveness? This study takes an in-depth look at the pig sector in OECD countries and draws some conclusions about the most appropriate forms of policy intervention. Further trade liberalisation is likely to strengthen market trends in the pig sector. Production is expected to slow, if not contract, in OECD European and Asian countries. In these countries, government support for pig production in the form of tariffs and/or export subsidies is generally the highest, and the environmental impacts of pig production on water and air pollution are of greatest concern. This book argues that liberalising trade is therefore likely to generate some environmental benefits. Regulatory requirements are the most important type of agri-environmental measures affecting pig production, and these mainly focus on the appropriate management of manure to reduce water pollution. Using comparative analysis, this study concludes that while manure management regulations do differ among countries, the cost effect on pig producers is not significant in explaining differences in international competitiveness.€ This is the first in a series of in-depth studies being undertaken by the OECD to investigate the linkages between agriculture, trade and the environment. Other studies examining the dairy and arable crop sectors are underway.

Times have changed. No where is that more evident than in U.S. agriculture. Increasing global integration, expanding world agricultural markets, and broadening environmental priorities both at home and abroad are defining new policy challenges for the United States. This report provides information that can help align agricultural legislation with emerging needs and trends. Current policies do not ameliorate conflicts between agriculture production and environmental quality, between trade and the environment, and between agriculture and competitive trade.

Agricultural Policies in a New Decade was written in preparation for the 1990 Farm Bill in the United States in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Committee of the National Planning Association. Originally published in the same year, this study aims to inform on the key issues affecting the new bill including budget austerity, the effects of agriculture on environmental quality, the safety and security of the U.S. food supply and international markets and trade policy. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental Studies and policy makers.