摘要:In line with the experiellceoj other developed countries, the importance of agriculture iii the Australianecollomy has declined in Some respects as the economy has matured. Nevertheless, the agricultural sector still accounts for about a quarter of total Australian .exports andfluctuations ill agricultural product/Gltand prices still have the potential to impact significantly on ecollomicactiviry in the broader economy in the short term. Accordingly, developments in world agricultural markets Jzave important implications both for the fam, sectof and the Australian economy ill general. Key factors which will .influence world agricultural markets over the next decade include world economic growth (Ind the associ(ltedchanges ind/erary patterns ill some regions, the recently concluded GAIT round, developments in Eastern Europe and the /omzer Soviet Union, and tlte move towardthefonnation o/regional trading blocs.