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WTO delivers against unfair subsidies
15 Sep 2004
Two World Trade Organisation (WTO) rulings against illegal farm subsidy arrangements are good news for Australian cotton and sugar farmers, the National Farmers’ Federation said today.
“Overnight, a WTO Dispute Panel ruled that several United States cotton policies contravene WTO rules,” NFF President, Mr Peter Corish said. “This WTO finding will mean, pending an expected appeal, the US will be required to modify its programs. NFF also understands a report from the WTO has upheld Australia’s complaint against export subsidies paid to Europe’s sugar farmers. “This outcome could require the European Union to remove around 3 million tonnes of its subsidised sugar exports from the world market.”
Mr Corish said Australian farmers were among the most efficient in the world but unfair subsidy arrangements had a serious impact on their livelihoods. “These decisions show that the international rules-based system through the WTO does work,” Mr Corish said. “This is why Australian farmers place so much emphasis on the WTO. Reducing distortions within global markets, primarily through comprehensive agricultural trade reform in the WTO agriculture negotiations, is one of NFF’s highest strategic priorities.”
Launching its 2004 Election Priorities yesterday, NFF called on any incoming Australian Government to maximise the outcome for Australian farmers, in terms of real and meaningful new market access opportunities and reductions in subsidy levels, from the current WTO Doha Round.
NFF Press Release, 15th September, 2004.
by Mairi Barton, General Manager Public Relations, NFF
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