The International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium (IATRC or Consortium) is a unique, informal, international consortium of people interested in agricultural trade research. Begun around 1980 by six west coast United States agricultural economists, the organization now has more than 180 members in roughly 25 countries. This document gives members a common understanding of IATRC programs, rules, procedures and history and provides funding agencies and others with a clear picture of the nature of the organization.

The objectives of the Consortium are to:

• promote and stimulate improvement in the quality and relevance of international agricultural trade research and policy analysis;
• encourage collaborative research among members of the Consortium;
• facilitate interaction among researchers and analysts in several countries, in universities and in government engaged in and/or interested in trade research; and
• improve the general understanding of international trade and trade policy issues among the public.

The primary audience for the work of the Consortium is trade policy researchers and analysts, and the users of trade research.