CONFERENCE Agriculture Beyond the WTO Talks Hong Kong

Download PDF:
Jan 13th conference invite.pdf (201 KB)

Silver Springs Hotel, Cork from 9.30 - 16:30
Hosted by Comhlámh Action Network

This aim of this one-day conference is to bring together farmers, researchers, academics, politicians, NGOS and activists to explore a coherent way forward for agricultural policy.

Topics to be addressed include the impact of trade rules on farmers North and South; a review of the WTO talks in Hong Kong, human rights and the WTO, the consequences of CAP reform and the implications of the proposed EPAs.

Speakers so far include:

• Carin Smaller - IATP (Institute Agricultural Trade Policy) Geneva
• Colin Roche - Oxfam Ireland
• Conall O Caoimh - Policy Officer Comhlámh
• Dharumkumar Seeraj - Rice Producers Association of Guyana
• Dr Mike Matsebula - National Sugar Association of Swaziland
• Paul Goodison - ERO (European research office) Brussels
• Pongtip Samranjit - LOCAL-ACTION-LINKS (Local-Act), Thailand
• Other representatives to be confirmed

Preceedings will be chaired by Alan Dukes

The WTO has had a significant impact on farming in both the developed and developing world over the past decade. It has established a framework within which agricultural policy can develop in the future. Yet many farms, and especially those of the small to medium size, have been adversely affected by policies adopted under the liberalization agenda.

This is not just a developing country issue. Many Irish farmers find their incomes under pressure from cheap imports and low prices, and Irish farm numbers continue to decline. So is there a way forward for agricultural policy that can help farmers in both developed and developing countries?

Tel: Comhlamh Cork 021 4275881 or email mailto:cork@comhlamh.org