Executive Summary

This report monitors and evaluates government support to agriculture in seven emerging economies during 2006-08: Brazil, Chile, China, India, Russia, South Africa and Ukraine. While the economic importance of the agricultural sector is falling relative to other sectors in these countries, the sector continues to play a vital role in providing employment and contributing to food security. Although weather conditions can cause large short-term fluctuations, over the longer-term both agricultural production and, in particular, agro-food trade are growing rapidly. Brazil, Chile, India and Ukraine are net exporters of agro-food products, while China and Russia are net importers.