Cairns Group Farm Leaders Advocate Agricultural Trade Reform Pathway at MC13

The Cairns Group Farm Leaders convened this month to emphasise their unwavering dedication to agricultural trade reform ahead of the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Led by Chair David Jochinke of the National Farmers’ Federation (Australia), the group underscored the critical need for progress in key areas such as domestic support, tariff and non-tariff barriers, and dispute settlement mechanisms.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing trade-distorting domestic support measures, Farm Leaders reiterated their commitment to the Cairns Group’s proposal aimed at capping and reducing such support entitlements. Chair Jochinke stressed the importance of creating a level playing field for farmers worldwide by tackling imbalances caused by heavy subsidies.

Additionally, Farm Leaders emphasised the need to address tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede agricultural trade. They called for assurance that non-tariff barriers align with evidence-based exceptions recognised by the WTO, ensuring fair and unhindered trade practices.

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Expressing growing concerns over sustainability and climate change measures becoming trade barriers, Farm Leaders advocated for risk- and science-based approaches consistent with international agreements and WTO disciplines. They urged for transparency and adherence to evidence-based decision-making, aligning with farmers’ daily practices.

Leaders at the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13)

Recognising the pivotal role of open and predictable agricultural trade in maintaining global food price stability and food security, Farm Leaders stressed the significance of accessible dispute settlement mechanisms. They called for a recommitment at MC13 to restore a fully functioning WTO dispute settlement system by the end of the year, ensuring equitable access for all Members.

Amidst rising global food prices, Farm Leaders emphasised the importance of fostering a conducive environment for agricultural trade, particularly for net food importing, low-income countries. Their advocacy aims to promote fair, transparent, and sustainable trade practices beneficial for farmers and consumers worldwide.

“The dispute settlement system provides security and predictability to the multilateral rules-based trading system,” Mr Jochinke stressed.

WTO MC13 will convene from 26-29 February in Abu Dhabi, with Farm Leaders eagerly watching developments.

Farm Leaders from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, New Zealand, Paraguay and Uruguay have released their MC13 Statement of Intent which can be found here.

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