The systematic study of international economic relations has commanded increased attention in recent years amongst both economists and political scientists as the economic relations between nation states and groups of countries have intensified, changed in character, and generated a weighty set of new and complex problems. Matters pertaining to food- stuffs and other primary commodities are the subject of both unparalleled cooperation and dangerous frictions between members of the international community. Those involved in the conduct and the study of international affairs attach great weight to commodity policy issues in international economic relationships. Equally, a range of "external" considerations have been elevated in importance in national policy formulation for the agricultural and food sector. Thus it is appropriate and timely that this Association address the subject of agriculture in international economic relations.