Teagasc warns of WTO wipeout

TEAGASC, the State body responsible for the development of agriculture and food, yesterday warned that World Trade Organisation (WTO) reforms would undermine the livelihoods of thousands of Irish farm families.

In its assessment, Teagasc allows for the fact that — among the proposals by the WTO — the abolition of export subsidies for agricultural products, with a 50% cut in 2007 and a gradual phasing out in equal installments over the next nine years, will take place.