WTO Members Push for Permanent Solution on Public Stockholding, Call It Crucial for Global Food Security

As global food security faces mounting challenges, World Trade Organization (WTO) members have renewed their calls for a permanent solution on public stockholding (PSH) for food security purposes. At the latest meeting of the Committee on Agriculture on April 30, diplomats emphasized that resolving PSH is not only a long-standing negotiating issue but a critical necessity in light of increasing global economic volatility and supply chain disruptions.

Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain, the newly appointed Chair of the agriculture negotiations, underscored the importance of translating political will into practical solutions ahead of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for March 2026. He acknowledged persistent divisions among members, particularly concerning the sequencing of negotiations and concerns over the potential expansion of domestic support. Nonetheless, Hussain urged nations to abandon entrenched positions and work toward consensus on this urgent issue.

“There is no alternative to frank exchanges to achieve meaningful progress,” Ambassador Hussain stated. “Public stockholding must be addressed not just as a trade issue, but as a core element of global food security policy.”

The PSH mechanism, which allows governments - particularly in developing countries - to buy, store, and distribute food to support low-income populations, remains a contentious topic. While proponents argue it is essential for stabilizing domestic markets and ensuring food access, some members worry about its potential to distort trade if not carefully regulated. India is in favour of this mechanism.

Despite these concerns, several members signaled a willingness to engage in constructive discussions. Many pointed to PSH as a test of the WTO's credibility and relevance in addressing real-world challenges, especially in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks to agriculture.

In addition to PSH, the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) also featured prominently in the talks. The mechanism would allow developing countries to temporarily raise tariffs in response to import surges or price declines. While members continue to disagree on its relationship to broader market access issues, the Chair encouraged innovative thinking to break the impasse.

Ambassador Hussain outlined a roadmap toward MC14 that includes targeted consultations with member groups, regular sessions of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session (CoASS), and a stocktaking session in the fall. The upcoming retreat on sustainable agriculture, set for May 5-6, is expected to provide additional momentum.

Overall, the message from Geneva was clear: With food insecurity looming large for many countries, particularly in the Global South, achieving a permanent solution on PSH is no longer optional - it is imperative. WTO members now face the challenge of turning political intent into tangible outcomes that ensure equitable, stable, and sustainable food systems worldwide.