Well functioning markets, underpinned by standards and conditions that protect against human and environmental exploitation, are key to equitable and sustainable development.  Equitable trade between rich and poor nations and value adding to primary products, has the potential to lift billions of people out of poverty. 

Further, innovative market mechanisms in relation, for example, to water use, carbon emissions, and ecosystem services are critical for overcoming environmental problems.  Never-the-less globalised markets and value chains also present enormous challenges in terms of developing and implementing appropriate quality, safety and ethical standards and in ensuring market efficiency. 

The CD&IC Programme, assists policy makers, producer organizations and the agribusiness sector to analyse these issues from a multi-stakeholder perspectives and to development the capacities required for developing and profiting from sustainable business opportunities.

For more information, please read the factsheet.