Introduction

This year’s review of the state of food and agriculture takes place at the mid-point of the the Third UN Development Decade. It is therefore an appropriate time to assess the performance and experience of global agriculture during the early years of the 1980s, against the background of the 1970s. This year’s review is made at both the world and regional levels, supplemented by a discussion of trends and changes in perspective in three areas of major contemporary interest: the'use of energy in agriculture, revisiting a topic last discussed in The State of Food and Agriculture almost ten years ago; the environment; and agricultural marketing, the latter because of its influence on producer incentives and hence, output.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Responsible Consumption and Production

Decent Work and Economic Growth