Canada plans to focus on putting an end to export subsidies while protecting state marketing agencies, such as the Canadian Wheat Board, at the World Trade Organisation meeting in Cancun, Mexico next week, senior government officials have said.
“We are seeking the elimination of agriculture export subsidies, substantial reductions in trade distorting domestic support, and real and substantial market access improvements for all agriculture and improved products,” an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada official was quoted by Dow Jones Commodities Service as saying.
The EU and the US have called for further disciplines on state trading agencies, including CWB, said an official.
Trade ministers from 146 countries are to meet in Cancun next week to discuss agricultural trade. Canada is sending a delegation of 300, including representatives from different levels of government and from non-governmental organisations, reported Dow Jones.
