On Thursday, 25 September 2025, Dr. Khaoula Belhaj Fragnière was invited to speak at the International Grains Council’s (IGC) inaugural webinar in a new series focused on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) and Market Efficiency.
Representing the global seed industry, Khaoula shared key insights into the growing impact of non-tariff trade measures on seed businesses worldwide. Her intervention emphasized the industry’s essential role in supplying raw materials for grain production, and the challenges it faces in navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments to access markets and comply with both national regulations and international trade rules. She also proposed practical pathways to address these challenges and promote more efficient, transparent trade practices.
The webinar featured other speakers from leading international governmental organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as well as representatives from major seed and grain trade associations such as the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC), the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA), and CropLife International (CLI). Overall discussions emphasized the importance of international cooperation, greater transparency, and streamlined trade measures to enhance market efficiency across the agricultural sector.
This first session laid the foundation for deeper exploration. The following two webinars in the IGC series will feature practical case studies, offering real-world examples to illustrate further the challenges and opportunities discussed.
