Key Policy Lessons for More Sustainable Agri-food Trade from TRADE4SD and MATS Horizon 2020 projects

Abstract

Two Horizon 2020 projects tasked with assessing the sustainability impacts of agricultural trade collaboratively applied macro models and perspectives (Computable General Equilibrium models, participatory systems approach, customised quantitative systems models) together with micro-perspectives (3 TRADE4SD case studies, 15 MATS case studies) for delivering an integrated, systems-based and multi-disciplinary approach. The multi-level outcomes of policy intervention were assessed across sectors, economic actors and dimensions of sustainable development, over time and spatially. The integrated methods approach highlights the need for comprehensive policy responses that acknowledge the interconnectedness of domestic, EU and international factors for achieving more sustainable agricultural trade. The sustainability of agricultural trade is intimately tied to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of domestic production. Key policy conclusions are: support local contexts in markets exporting to the EU through institutional, investment and technical assistance for cooperative capacity-building (multi-stakeholder) and standards alignment that accounts for compliance costs differences; inclusive and robust trade governance needs investment into actor empowerment as part of capacity-building; redesign trade agreements for closer SDG alignment through institutionalised sustainability impact assessments with a systems perspective; increase policy coherence through coordinated, predictable and impact-assessment-based policy instrument implementation (SDG-proofing) and reform. If EU policymakers want to credibly defend ‘values’ (EU standards) in the contested agri-food trade arena, it is time to move forward collaboratively and substantively as has been achieved by both the Mercosur and India free trade agreements. © 2026 The Author(s). EuroChoices published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Agricultural Economics Society and European Association of Agricultural Economists.