Advice and Support for Governments on Promoting Responsible Investment in Agriculture
IISD provides demand-driven advice, support, and training to help governments establish robust laws and policies for promoting responsible investment in agriculture.
Building robust legal and policy frameworks
Achieving food security and nutrition through responsible private sector investment in agriculture is a challenge that many low- and middle-income governments face. Foreign enterprises can provide much-needed capital, jobs, market linkages, know-how, and technology to develop the agricultural sector and improve its contributions to social and economic development. If done badly, however, they can undermine local food security, violate land tenure rights, worsen conditions for marginalized groups, and deplete and degrade natural resources.
For private sector investment to work, particularly foreign investment, governments need a robust legal framework compatible with national priorities and local needs that is informed by good international practices and high-quality evidence from around the world. Governments also need evidence-based strategies and policies to support and inform their legal framework for investment in agriculture.
For over 10 years, IISD’s team of legal and policy experts has been providing high-quality advice and capacity development training to governments and regional bodies on how to reform laws, regulations, policies, and contracts in order to promote responsible investment in agriculture and food systems.
Our focus
We advise and support governments in the drafting of model contracts in various sectors, including large-scale farmland investments, agricultural investment laws, legal frameworks for agricultural growth poles and zones, policies for attracting foreign direct investment in agriculture, contract farming templates and laws, and market opportunities for voluntary sustainability standards.
Our services
IISD’s team is available to provide pro-bono advisory services to low-income governments and regional bodies, free of charge, on:
- Legal instruments governing private sector investment in agriculture and food systems, such as laws and model contracts
- Policies and strategies for attracting and promoting responsible private sector investment in agriculture and food systems
- Market performance trends for key agricultural commodities.
IISD also provides capacity-development services on the above topics in the form of tailored training workshops, cross-sector policy dialogues, and peer-to-peer learning events.
Engage with us
If you are interested in discussing how IISD can support your government or regional body in achieving food security through responsible investment in agriculture, please send an email to agriculture@iisd.org, and we will arrange a call to discuss your government’s needs. Please note, IISD is not able to act for governments in disputes or support live contract negotiations.
Related projects
IISD also publishes research and evidence on responsible investment in agriculture and analyzes emerging policy issues for decision-makers through three publication series.
Food and Agriculture: Emerging Policy Issues
This series examines emerging issues affecting the resilience and sustainability of agriculture and food systems, particularly in developing countries.
Best Practices Bulletins: Legal tools for responsible investment in agriculture
This series analyzes legal instruments that governments can use to promote responsible investment in agriculture and food systems.
Stories of Change
This series examines legal or policy reforms in agriculture and food systems from the perspective of those driving the reforms.
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Fair and Sustainable Trade in Food and Agriculture
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Model Agreement for Responsible Contract Farming
A simple and practical legal tool for buyers and producers to improve their business relations and to help make responsible agricultural investment a reality.
Stories of Change
This series examines legal or policy reforms in agriculture and food systems from the perspective of those driving the reforms.
Working With Parliamentarians on Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems
IISD works with parliamentarians to help them strengthen legal and policy frameworks for responsible investment in agriculture in their countries.