Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The project successfully engaged a diverse audience of stakeholders across academia, government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, focusing on the themes of global governance, economic sanctions, and agricultural trade. Retrospectively, the efforts reached individuals and groups impacted by and interested in these critical areas. The academic community was a central audience, including researchers and scholars specializing in agricultural trade, international relations, and economic policy. The project provided a platform for leading experts to present state-of-the-art research and foster intellectual dialogue. Graduate students were also actively involved, benefiting from travel support and opportunities to connect with senior researchers and practitioners, enriching their academic and professional trajectories. Government and policy stakeholders were a key focus, including policymakers at federal, state, and local levels, as well as representatives from international organizations such as the USDA and WTO. These participants gained actionable insights from the project's findings on the effects of economic sanctions and the decline of multilateralism on agricultural trade, contributing to evidence-based policymaking. The private sector audience included agribusiness professionals and trade advocacy groups. These stakeholders leveraged the research findings to better understand trade dynamics and navigate challenges posed by trade disruptions and sanctions, aligning their strategies with the emerging global trade environment. Non-governmental organizations focusing on food security and development participated to address vulnerabilities in global food systems. The project provided them with evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations to mitigate food insecurity and enhance resilience in affected economies. The project's efforts included organizing a high-profile conference that brought together these diverse groups, the publication of research in a special issue of The World Economy, and policy roundtable discussions that bridged academic research with practical policymaking. These activities fostered robust dialogue, identified knowledge gaps, and outlined strategies for future collaboration and research. Through workshops, publications, and direct engagement, the project successfully reached its intended audiences, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intersection between global governance, economic sanctions, and agricultural trade, while promoting actionable solutions to address these global challenges. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provided numerous opportunities for training and professional development, fostering growth and proficiency among participants, including researchers, graduate students, and other stakeholders. These activities contributed to the development of advanced skills and knowledge in global governance, economic sanctions, and agricultural trade. Graduate students, in particular, benefited from travel support to attend the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium (IATRC) conference. This support enabled them to engage with leading experts in their field, present their work, and participate in discussions on cutting-edge research. Students also had the opportunity to collaborate with experienced researchers during interactive sessions, where they gained valuable feedback on their ideas and methodologies. These experiences helped them build professional networks and enhance their understanding of the practical applications of academic research in policymaking and industry settings. For mid-career and senior professionals, the conference offered professional development opportunities through exposure to state-of-the-art research, policy roundtables, and keynote addresses by prominent scholars. The event provided a platform to deepen expertise in interdisciplinary approaches to addressing trade and governance challenges. Attendees reported that the discussions improved their ability to design and implement evidence-based strategies in their respective fields. Additionally, the project supported early-career researchers by facilitating mentorship opportunities during the conference. Senior scholars and policymakers engaged with these researchers, offering guidance on how to frame research questions, analyze complex trade dynamics, and translate findings into actionable insights for stakeholders. The organization of the conference itself also served as a professional development opportunity for members of the organizing committee and graduate assistants. They gained hands-on experience in event planning, stakeholder coordination, and the dissemination of research outputs. These skills are critical for advancing their careers in academia, policy, and industry. Overall, the project created a dynamic learning environment that enhanced the professional skills and knowledge of all participants. By fostering dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration, the project contributed to the long-term development of expertise in the critical areas of agricultural trade, economic sanctions, and global governance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of this project have been disseminated to diverse communities of interest through a comprehensive outreach strategy designed to maximize accessibility and engagement. The primary vehicle for dissemination was the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium (IATRC) annual conference, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including academic researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and non-governmental organizations. Conference presentations, policy roundtables, and discussions facilitated direct engagement with participants, enabling the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of research findings. A major outcome of the project was the publication of a special issue in The World Economy, which provided a curated collection of peer-reviewed articles stemming from the conference. This publication ensured that the project's findings reached a global audience of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, contributing to ongoing discussions in agricultural trade, governance, and economic sanctions. The accessibility of this special issue through academic databases further expanded its reach to communities that might not have attended the conference. To engage broader audiences, the project also leveraged digital platforms. Announcements, summaries, and links to conference materials were shared through the IATRC website, professional newsletters, and social media channels. These efforts targeted academic and professional audiences while also raising awareness among members of the general public interested in the intersection of trade, policy, and global governance. Outreach activities included targeted engagement with underrepresented groups and early-career professionals to foster diversity and inclusivity. Travel support was provided to graduate students and researchers from developing regions to encourage participation and enhance the global perspective of the discussions. Additionally, the project reached non-traditional audiences through collaborations with trade advocacy groups and food security organizations, ensuring that findings were communicated to those working directly on issues of food insecurity and agricultural resilience. By combining traditional academic dissemination with targeted outreach and digital engagement, the project effectively communicated its results to a wide array of stakeholders. This approach not only enhanced public understanding of critical issues in global governance and agricultural trade but also increased interest in pursuing careers and research in related fields. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The project achieved significant accomplishments by advancing understanding of the intersection between global governance, economic sanctions, and agricultural trade. Through its activities, it produced measurable impacts that benefitted policymakers, industry stakeholders, and society at large. The project enhanced knowledge and collaboration across sectors, contributing to societal benefits such as improved food security, equitable trade practices, and strengthened global economic stability. A major highlight was the publication of a special issue in The World Economy, which disseminated cutting-edge research to a global audience and provided actionable insights into pressing challenges. A key objective of the project was to convene experts from academia, government, NGOs, and think tanks to present and discuss state-of-the-art research. This goal was realized through the organization of the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium (IATRC) annual conference, which brought together over 125 participants from diverse sectors and countries. The conference featured two keynote addresses, presentations of 12 competitively selected research papers, and a series of policy roundtables. Attendee feedback revealed a high level of satisfaction, with 90% of participants praising the relevance of the discussions. These activities led to a notable increase in knowledge, as participants gained new insights into the effects of economic sanctions on agricultural trade and governance. Many attendees reported plans to apply these findings in policy development and organizational decision-making, creating ripple effects beyond the conference itself. The project also facilitated discussions among participants to identify research gaps and data requirements. Interactive sessions highlighted the need for better data on trade flow disruptions and the socioeconomic impacts of sanctions, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary approaches to addressing these issues. These discussions fostered a deeper understanding of existing knowledge deficits and encouraged researchers and policymakers to commit to collaborative efforts to fill these gaps. This alignment of research priorities with policy needs is a key accomplishment, ensuring that future work will be more impactful and targeted. A third major goal was the dissemination of conference outputs through a special issue in The World Economy. The project facilitated the submission and peer review of 15papers, of which 10 were ultimately accepted for publication. Early engagement metrics indicated strong interest in the special issue. This publication expanded the reach of the project's findings, providing policymakers and practitioners with evidence-based tools to address trade disruptions and improve food security. As a result, the project contributed to measurable changes in knowledge and action among its target audiences, as evidenced by the adoption of informed strategies to manage trade challenges. While the project met its primary objectives, certain goals remain areas for future development. Broader stakeholder engagement, particularly with underrepresented groups, requires continued effort. Additionally, the systematic establishment of collaborative frameworks to address identified research gaps will further enhance the project's impact. Overall, the project made substantial progress in advancing knowledge and fostering actionable solutions, leaving a lasting legacy for future work on global governance, economic sanctions, and agricultural trade.

Publications