Ireland to draw a line on agriculture at Geneva world trade talks

THE bottom line for Ireland in this week’s crucial world trade talks in Geneva is that any new agreement must not necessitate a further reform of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Domestic supports, market access, export subsidies and non-trade concerns are particular issues for Ireland in the talks, due to formally begin on Thursday.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan, who’ll be attending the negotiations with Trade Minister Michael Ahern, said she wants a balanced agreement in overall terms.