Large areas of land in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe are lying uncultivated due to export barriers and tariffs. Given the recent rapid rise in food prices, this fallow land (estimated to be around 23 million hectares) could help to reduce upward pressure on food prices.
Bread basket that is left to grow weeds Times Online (12/3/08)
Questions
| 1. | Identify three different forms of protectionism. |
| 2. | Explain why the land identified in the article has remained uncultivated. |
| 3. | Discuss the arguments for and against these countries reducing tariffs on food. |