At this point in time, it might seem that the conclusion of a WTO agreement by the end of June has become an end in itself, for a certain number of European figures.

ORAMA is particularly critical of the direction taken by Mr. Falconer, the Chairperson of Agricultural Negotiations with the WTO.  If the European Union went in this direction, it would be completely exposed in the strategic sector of grain, while the United States would retain its arsenal for both attack and defence, and Brazil would see its farming and food industry horizons extend quite considerably.  Developing countries too would lose on agriculture, and would be quite justified in feeling that they had been abandoned by Europe.
 
EU political authorities have been alerted and know what the French authorities intend to do in the event of a draft agreement being reached on these bases, and must therefore take steps to bring negotiations back into line.  Action has already been undertaken by the Minister of Agriculture, Ms. Lagarde, who realises just how serious the situation is, and this should be applauded.  The negotiators from the European Commission cannot be allowed to carry on unchecked.  They have made it only too clear that the other negotiating parties can always get more by being utterly intractable.

Contact : Pascal HURBAULT – tél  01 44 31 16 25 et 06 72 42 06 36