WTO talks take off

MEXICO – World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks on dairy trade got underway on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening of the talks, the European Commission’s Franz Fischler said that he hoped EU agricultural policy reforms would help to push the talks forward.

“We have agreed on a joint framework on agriculture with the United States, he said. “This framework should not be seen as a stitch-up between the two big elephants. We have assumed our responsibility to inject new life in the farm talks. This will be to the benefit of all players.” On the eve of the talks, the Global Dairy Alliance, made up of countries including Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Chile, issued a statement urging trade ministers not to “shirk” their responsibilities or “settle for half-measures”.

“It is time for a determined attack on the massive tariff barriers still surrounding dairy markets and on the dumping of subsidised surpluses in world markets,” the group said.

The Global Dairy Alliance is campaigning for the elimination of export subsidies, better market access and a reduction in domestic support for the dairy industry.