Can the World Trade Organization Ensure that Food Aid is Genuine?

Abstract:
The Doha Round negotiation mandate of the World Trade Organization (WTO) proposes to minimise trade distortions and commercial displacement under the cover of international food aid, without preventing genuine food aid from reaching people in need. This paper presents problematic aspects of international food aid for trade and competition and an overview of the international governance of food aid. The latest available Draft Modalities for Agriculture (December 2008) are seen as being only halfway successful in implementing the Doha mandate. A new text with better-targeted disciplines and a political food aid commitment are proposed as part of the Doha Round Final Act.