The value chain of milk and considerations for solidarity-based regionalisation
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights new dimensions in the issue of global supply chains and international trade policy. Civil society actors are actively working on proposals for the urgent transformation of world trade: from an environmental and human rights point of view.
In addition, the question of the usefulness of global value chains has now been added: In particular, the stagnation of deliveries illustrates the problems of global trade with a seemingly unlimited range of products. So is it possible and really desirable to continue all products
to trade worldwide and to transport around the globe?
This paper is a snapshot of considerations for a solidarity-based regionalization for more environmental protection and respect for human rights using the example of the milk product. The word "solidarity" is at the heart of this, because the questioning of the world trade logic for selected products is about a better life and better environmental conditions for all people worldwide – not just about a specific sector. Solidarity regionalization also emphasizes that a just socio-ecological transformation in the Global South is supported. Trade policy therefore needs to be rethought. This includes, in particular, carefully assessing the negative consequences of the production and transport of goods for both trading partners.
