Because of rapid economic development and population growth in mainland China, India, and other emerging economies, plus global climate change and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, issues like (i) food security and (ii) sustainable development of environmental resources have become critical. In addition, (iii) food safety and (iv) potential diversification of the value of agriculture are also getting increasing attention. In response to these transnational concerns, the Council of Agriculture (COA) has launched an APEC multi-year project entitled “Public-Private Partnerships to Reduce Losses in the Food Supply Chain.” We hope that through cooperation among APEC member economies we can ensure regional food security and create diversified value from agriculture.

Moreover, in 2013 the World Trade Organization (WTO) adopted the Bali Package of trade facilitation measures, and there is now an undeniable trend toward lowering non-tariff barriers to imports. In recent years there has also been an ever-growing trend around the world for countries to sign free trade agreements. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have been especially active in promoting economic and trade integration through the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” and “Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.” All governments today must deal with the problem of how to ensure stability and sustainability in the agricultural sector in the face of economic and trade liberalization.