Africa: No progress in WTO agriculture talks

The first formally organised session on agriculture negotiations since Cancun was held at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva on 22-26 March, in what was termed the “Agriculture Week.” It ended without convergence of views among members on the three major “pillars”, i.e. market access, domestic support and export competition. The Chairperson of the agriculture special session, Ambassador Tim Groser of New Zealand, said: “The members are still in the hearing and listening mode.” The week saw a change in the negotiating process, with members negotiating or discussing among themselves in “informal mode”, rather than each of them consulting with the Chairperson. During the week, numerous meetings were held between the various groupings. The organisation Third World Network has produced a report on the meeting.