Ligia Dutra Silva IFPRI POLICY SEMINAR Global food security and the WTO: The role of Mercosur countries FEB 22, 2017 - 12:15 PM TO 01:45 PM EST

1. Agriculture - Interests and challenges in the WTO
Lígia Dutra – Head of International Relations

2. Agricultural Negotiations Background
The Doha Round – 2001/2017
Development Round with few results for agriculture!
Export Competition – Although limited, some results
Market Access – Most likely to be decided bilaterally
Domestic Support – Must be addressed urgently – Buenos Aires
is the time and place!
Domestic Support, when subsidized in great amounts and not respecting the
WTO rules for notifying, and the monitoring mechanisms, distort global
agricultural trade and, therefore, harm Mercosur farmers!

3. International scenario with increasing
challenges

4. Importance to build regional strength!
Mercosur and its trading partners must consolidate their position at the
WTO!
Mercosur
Biggest food
producing
countries
WTO
For this reason, since 2015, CNA has established close contact with
Brazilian and other representatives in Geneva in order to set the
priorities for farmers!

5. Main issues to consider bringing to MC11
3 - Transparency
i. Strengthen SPS and TBT
notification system in order to compel
all WTO members to keep up-to-date
notifications of new regulations.
ii. Strengthen the system of
notifications regarding domestic
support programs with special
attention to programs regarding
formation of public stockholding for
food security.
1 - Domestic Support
Limit subsidies to agricultural production aimed
at exports (including cotton). Advance in the
negotiation of document JOB / AG / 72 (Brazil,
Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia) with
emphasis on options 3 and 4.
2 - Market access
Negotiate the reduction of tariff peaks and tariff
escalation for agricultural products.

6. 4 - Prevalence of science-based regulation
Recognize the prevalence of international standards issued by recognized science-
based organizations, such as CODEX Alimentarius/FAO and the World Organization
for Animal Health (OIE), which should be supported by the best scientific knowledge
available. Compel WTO members to report any regulation adopted that are
inconsistent with current international standards, mentioning the scientific rationale
used.
5 - Biotechnology
Recognize that biotechnology is essential for the future of global food security and
therefore needs to be addressed on the basis of science with clear and transparent
marketing rules that bring predictability and legal certainty to grain and cereal
producers.
Main issues to consider bringing to MC11

7. Thank you!
International Relations Office
international@cna.org.br