UNITAR Online Catalogue
Agriculture in Trade Agreements - Webinar 1
Prosperity
FAO
Background
The Agriculture in Trade Agreements course was developed and delivered fully online in Arabic over a period of four weeks. It aims to equip policymakers and technical experts with the knowledge and
tools necessary to navigate agricultural trade rules at both multilateral – within the World Trade Organization ecosystem- and regional contexts. The training was designed to support countries in
their efforts to enhance agricultural performance and assess market access opportunities, all while strengthening institutional capacities to implement trade-related policies.
Learning Objectives
The course outlines the learning objectives as follows:
▪ Increase the knowledge of international trade rules in agriculture, including WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) and its implications for food security and market access.
▪ Strengthen understanding of non-tariff measures (NMTs) such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT), and their relevance for agricultural trade and regulatory policy.
▪ Improve participants’ ability to analyze and interpret agricultural commitments in regional trade agreements (RTAs), including the differences between RTAs and WTO rules and how these shape national agricultural strategies within the context of the 2030 agenda.
Content and Structure
The course consisted of three learning units; each organized into thematic lessons that
combined conceptual explanations with practical examples applicable to regional and
national contexts.
Unit 1: WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA)
This unit introduced the global regulatory framework for agricultural trade. Participants explored the main pillars of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (market access, domestic support, and export competition). It examined how these commitments influence national trade policy choices. Emphasis was placed on implementation challenges and the evolving nature of WTO negotiations.
Unit 2: Non-Tariff Measures in Agriculture (SPS and TBT Agreements)
This unit focused on the growing importance of NMTs in shaping agricultural trade flows. Lessons covered the key principles of the SPS and TBT agreements, the role of international standard-setting bodies, and the implications for plant health, food safety, and regulatory compliance. Participants learned how NTMs can both facilitate and restrict trade, depending on their design and implementation.
Unit 3: Agriculture in Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)
The final unit examined regional trade integration, including the structure of RTAs, agricultural market access commitments, rules of origin, and regulatory cooperation mechanisms. Participants compared RTA provisions to multilateral rules and evaluated how regional frameworks expand or limit policy space for agriculture.
Each unit concluded with practical exercises and knowledge checks designed to reinforce learning and promote the application of concepts in participants’ professional contexts.
Methodology
The course employed a blended approach best adapted for adult learners and career professionals. It consists of reading materials available online and expert-led webinars.
This training is characterized by:
▪ Self-paced learning which is best adapted for adult learning allowing flexibility
▪ Weekly interactive webinars with the course facilitators to sustain engagement
▪ Weekly quizzes contributing to the retention of key concepts and incremental knowledge building
▪ Discussion forums moderated by field experts, both increasing the value proposition of the course and promoting more interaction
▪ Technical support and constant monitoring by UNITAR staff, ensuring adequate accompaniment
Targeted Audience
The course was designed to support:
▪ Government officials from ministries of agriculture, trade, economy, and related public institutions.
▪ Technical staff working directly on agricultural policy, trade policy, SPS/TBT regulation, and export import management.
▪ Professionals involved in the formulation or implementation of agricultural or commercial policies in least developed countries in the Near East and North Africa