Canada Signs WTO Framework
- Includes changes to the Canadian Wheat Board
(August 3, 2004 - Airdrie) "This is great news for
Canadian Agriculture" stated Doug McBain, President of the Western
Barley Growers Association (WBGA). "We could get the double whammy
benefit for a change", adds McBain. A reduction in subsidies and the
end to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) monopoly are good news stories at a
time when good news in agriculture is as rare as a B.C. chicken.
Canadian agriculture is in a great position to take advantage of this
framework agreement because we have already reduced spending below the new
requirements of a 20% reduction.
"We can satisfy all requirements for the WTO agreement without one
change to the CWB Act," says McBain. Presently the Government of
Canada sets and guarantees all initial and interim payments "based on
needs of farmers and fiscal responsibility of the Government", is how
Mr. Goodale, then Minister responsible for the CAB stated how CWB prices
are set. "The recommendations of the board of directors will be given
close consideration" said Goodale. "Even though one third of the
directors and the CEO are Government appointed" said McBain. The CWB
board of directors are completely within their mandate to set their own
prices, independent of the Government, but without the Government
guarantee, and issue export licenses to prairie farmers without the
repressive buy back policy.
"Consensus on a world wide comprehensive framework for
international trade including agriculture tariffs and subsidies is
extremely difficult." concludes McBain.
We thank Trade Ministry Jim Peterson for signing the agreement. |
