US farmers demand free markets
29 July 1999
US farmers demand free markets
US FARMERS want trade barriers to be scrapped so that they can compete effectively on world markets.
That was the over-riding opinions voiced to US trade officials in 13 nationwide “listening sessions” across America.
It will also be the negotiating stance of the USA as it enters the new round of international trade talks in Seattle in November, reports the Financial Times.
The newspaper reprises US policy which saw US farmers stripped of most price and income supports in 1996.
The USA is now pushing for similar policies worldwide, including Europe, which one says operates the “worlds single largest distortion of agricultural trade”.
Influential farming lobby groups have been opposed to any attempt to strike “early harvest” or quick deals at the World Trade Organisation talks.
Pessimism about the outcome of the WTO meeting has also led to calls for new subsidies to create a level playing field with international competition.