New research on the political economy of policy-induced distortions to incentives for optimal resource use in agriculture and insights from the study of the dramatic reforms in former statecontrolled economy has led to enhanced insights on the role of governance structures on policy making in agricultural and natural resources. This paper reviews these research developments and key new insights...

Note: This document is no longer " for official use", but is now "declassified". Foreword This document outlines an agenda for agricultural policy reform in OECD countries. Without making judgements on specific policies in individual countries, or prejudging negotiations at the WTO or elsewhere, it suggests ways in which agricultural policies in Member countries can further the shared goals agr...

S ubsidized agricultural exports to developing countries and, worse, food aid kill the output markets of smallholders there, who encompass the majority of the world’s poor. Especially in sub-Saharan Africa, this unfair competition, together with blatant neglect of agriculture in public policy, hampers agricultural growth. Throughout history, agricultural growth has been the engine of overall ec...