The Rural Voice, 2006-08, Page 11Long Term rhinkln9
for Today't Jttue,s
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario
7660 Mill Rd., RR 4 Guelph, ON N1H 6J1
Voice: (519) 837-1620 Fax: (519) 824-1835
Email: cffomail@christianfarmers.org
Web: www.christianfarmers.org
SIGNING ON
The CFFO adds its voice to an international declaration on agricultural trade
At its most recent meeting of delegates from
across the province, the Christian Farmers
Federation of Ontario endorsed adding the
organization's name to a joint declaration on
agricultural trade. The declaration, penned
late last year, has been endorsed by farm
groups in several countries and outlines
preferred basic principles and approaches for
trade.
Here is some of the text of the joint
declaration:
The voice of the majority of countries in
WTO is not being heard
We, the undersigned, representing farmers in
developing and developed countries, share
strong concerns about the negotiations in the
current world talks on trade in Hong Kong.
Less than 10 per cent of agricultural
production is actually traded on the world
market and any expansion in this trade will
benefit only a few countries. The concerns of
countries whose main objective is to expand
their exports must not be allowed to take
precedence over the wider concerns about
agriculture expressed in the positions of the
majority of countries in WTO - G33, ACP
countries, India, G10, United States, Canada
and European Union. Free trade will, first and
foremost, benefit large-scale corporate
farming and multi -national traders in
developed and advanced developing
countries rather than the poorer developing
countries. Developing countries with a
vulnerable and defenceless agricultural sector,
in a market frequently manipulated and
dominated by a few trading entities must be
able to take account of their rural
development, food security and/or livelihood
security needs. It should be reminded that the
Doha Round is a "development round" and is
not a "market access round." Access to
resources such as land, seeds, water,
technology and credit is a priority for
developing countries. Free trade will make it
impossible for farmers to meet their society's
legitimate expectations concerning food
security and safety as well as environmental,
animal welfare and rural issues. All countries
must be able to ensure their food sovereignty.
Structural adjustments imposed on
developing countries by the World Bank and
the IMF have further reduced agricultural
services while re -orienting agriculture towards
exports and forced governments to reduce
their tariffs. This situation must also be taken
into account in the Doha Round. We believe
that every country has a right to ensure that
the concerns of its own citizens about food
and agriculture, which extend far beyond
purely commercial considerations, are met.
Agricultural trade rules must reflect this in a
way which is fair and equitable for every
WTO member.
For more information, contact the Christian
Farmers Federation of Ontario at the above
address.
AUGUST 2006 7
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