Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Organic Agriculture Sector of the Lao PDR

This research paper examines the environmental and economic potential of the organic agriculture sector in Lao PDR, noting that while the industry is inherently environmentally friendly, significant growth could lead to negative impacts like deforestation and increased carbon emissions.

• Lao PDR's organic agricultural export performance is currently underdeveloped due to insufficient production to meet demand and the presence of non-tariff barriers, specifically certification.
• Organic agricultural practices generally benefit the environment by avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance soil fertility and manage ecological interactions. However, significant industry expansion could cause negative environmental effects, including carbon emissions from transport and deforestation via shifting cultivation or encroachment into protected areas.
• To improve competitiveness in international markets, the Government of Lao PDR and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry should establish a formal organic certification process and draft laws regarding food safety, food quality assurance, and organic agriculture policies that address land-use changes.

APA

Manivong,, P. (2008). Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Organic Agriculture Sector of the Lao PDR. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-organic-agriculture-sector-lao-pdr

Chicago

Manivong,, Phengkhouane. Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Organic Agriculture Sector of the Lao PDR. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2008. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-organic-agriculture-sector-lao-pdr.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Manivong, |first1=Phengkhouane |title=Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Organic Agriculture Sector of the Lao PDR |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=23 January 2008 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-organic-agriculture-sector-lao-pdr |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{manivong2008environmental, author = {Manivong,, Phengkhouane}, title = {{Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Organic Agriculture Sector of the Lao PDR}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2008}, month = jan, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-organic-agriculture-sector-lao-pdr}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }