Background:

Global trade is about accessing new markets. The Livestock Revolution that we have discussed earlier offers a fantastic opportunity for "advanced" dairy industries of the world to compete to serve the growing demand of the urban middle-class of developing countries. We will hardly be able to scratch the surface of international trade issues and what is "fair" and "unfair", but today's class discussion may be used a a cautionary tale of unintended (or intended?) consequences.  

Food for thought as we start our discussion:

1. Today's reading pointed to resentment among farmers in poor countries towards U.S. farmers and agribusiness.  Why is it the case? Is it justified? 


2. What is the World Trade Organization (WTO)? What does it do?


3. What is the International Monetary Funds (IMF)? What does it do? 


4. Is the global trade system really rigged? if so, what's the problem and how can we get it fixed? Free trade versus Fair trade? 


5. Our problems versus their problems: As Biofuel Demand Grows, So Do Guatemala’s Hunger Pangs (NY Times January 5, 2012).