Only a Few Reap the Benefits of Growth in Agriculture

Editor's Note: Agricultural growth in Latin America has been strong in recent years but a study by ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) shows how export-led agricultural growth occurs in just a few countries, for a few products and does little to advance social and food security. The dismantling of agricultural subsidies by wealthy nations, if it were to proceed, would serve only to deepen this model of agricultural development.

MEXICO CITY, Nov 8 (IPS) - Latin America and the Caribbean are demanding that the world's rich countries dismantle their protectionist systems of farm subsidies as they seek to sustain and expand on the success enjoyed by farm exports in the region, which have, however, failed to provide significant benefits for the broader population.

In recent years, the agricultural industry in the region has achieved growth levels that are "more than satisfactory," mainly thanks to exports, says a new study by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

But there is little reason to celebrate, because the upsurge was concentrated in just a few countries, products and markets, and did nothing to alleviate rural poverty, reported the regional United Nations agency.

The study, "Panorama 2005, el nuevo patr