Western Canadian Farm Leaders to Press for
Freer Trade in Geneva
(April 14, 2005, FFJ) A delegation of
western farmers will make the case to advance agriculture trade
liberalization during a World Trade Organization (WTO) session in Geneva,
from April 18th to the 22nd, 2005.
The group includes representatives from the Alberta Barley Commission,
Alberta Grain Commission, Western Barley Growers Association and the
Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association.
"The current round of WTO negotiations must make major reductions, if
not elimination of tariffs and distorting subsidies," says Eugene
Dextrase, Chairman of the Alberta Grain Commission and farmer from High
Level, Alberta. "The status quo is not an option."
Today, global agriculture markets are heavily distorted by tariffs and
subsidies. Canada’s grain farmers are losing $1.3 billion annually at
the hands of European and American subsidies. Tariff protection adds to
losses by reducing market opportunities.
"There are no export subsidies, no price support programs, or
meaningful tariffs protecting grain farmers in western Canada," notes
Doug Robertson, Chairman of the Alberta Barley Commission and farmer from
Carstairs, Alberta. "Canada’s grain farmers are prepared to compete
in a free and open marketplace."
The delegation believes that the negotiations are at a critical juncture
before the planned WTO Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December 2005.
To move forward, all WTO members must embrace and build on the Framework
Agreement signed last July.
According to Doug McBain, President of the Western Barley Growers
Association and farmer from Cremona, Alberta, "The Framework has
potential if we can continue to push for more market access, eliminate
export subsidies, and get substantial reductions in trade distorting
domestic support."
"WTO rules directly affect my farm’s profitability," states
Randy Hoback, Saskatchewan farmer and Chair of the Western Canadian Wheat
Growers Association. "Canada should be a positive voice for change
that opens markets and lets competition take place on a level playing
field."
The group of western farmers traveling to Geneva grow wheat, barley,
canola, peas, oats – all of which are plagued by distorting subsidies
and punitive tariffs. The farm leaders plan to communicate western
Canadian interests to international colleagues and work with Canada’s
trade negotiating team in Geneva. |
