Rich Nations Pitch Climate, Sustainable Agri in WTO Talks

With the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference set to begin on Sunday, developed countries such as the United States, the European Union, New Zealand, Canada, and Singapore have proposed outcomes on new issues such as sustainable agriculture and food systems. However, developing countries argue that this would divert attention away from pressing issues such as finding a permanent solution to ensure food security for poor nations.

Aside from including sustainable agriculture, food systems, climate change, and the environment in agricultural negotiations, developed countries have ignored the principle of shared but differentiated responsibility and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT), which provides flexibility and policy space to developing and poor countries.

"The developed countries are working on an ambitious mandate for agriculture including a work program for domestic support. They are diverting the attention from the important pending issues of a permanent solution and instead of talking about sustainable agriculture and food distribution," said an official.

The rich countries have proposed that the next ministerial work on public stockholding for food security purposes (PSH) be undertaken. The World Trade Organization's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) will be held in Geneva from June 12 to 15.