Members of the Cairns Group of medium and small agricultural exporting countries called for an end to revived export subsidies and a strong push to complete global trade talks.
“At this critical time in the global economic downturn, it is essential that we guard against increased protectionism in agriculture, which includes not only tariffs but also subsidies and other restrictive non-tariff measures,” said a recent statement from the 19-member group, which was formed in 1986 to fight for an end to the export subsidy wars of the day.
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“The recent reintroduction by the European Union and the United States of export subsidies for one major commodity (dairy) has deepened that risk.”
The ministers also called for a re-launch of trade talks with agricultural subsidies and protectionism among the sensitive issues.
Typically at Cairns ministerial meetings, Canada adds a dissent to the final statement because the Cairns Group majority supports a cut in all agricultural protection, including supply management import barriers.
This year, Canada was not represented by agriculture minister Gerry Ritz because of a political dispute in Ottawa over whether an opposition MP would accompany him to cancel his absence from parliamentary votes. When no opposition MP would go, the minister’s trip was cancelled.
Canada was represented by a senior trade official from Geneva. There was no Canadian dissent recorded in the communiqué.
Farm leaders from six of the 19 Cairns countries also met in Bali and the majority issued a statement insisting on an end to special concessions to countries that allow existing protectionism to be maintained, which would include Canada’s longstanding defence of supply management protections.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture opposed the final statement.
The Cairns Group comprises Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and Uruguay.
