Publication

This commentary discusses what a WTO decision in November 2014 on national food stockpiling for food security purposes in relation to the trade facilitation agreement (TFA) could mean for food security around the world. In general, the authors contend that while the boosting of national stockpiles will help to contribute to better food security in developing countries, increases in stockpiling will also give greater leeway for mismanagement and fraud. They then suggest that to avoid the problems created by stockpiling, policymakers and other relevant actors should look at how countries can improve transparency in stockpile systems and create sustainable food stockpiling practices.