Food security fears collapsed talks

THE bodies representing European farmers and agri-co-operatives have claimed that the breakdown of the world trade negotiations were caused by a lack of attention paid to national food security concerns.

“The suspension of discussions shows that WTO trading partners have not done enough to address the core issue: how countries can ensure secure and reliable food supplies in a sustainable way,” said COPA and COGECA secretary general Pekka Pesonen.

“Any future trade deal must acknowledge farmers’ role in meeting an increasing global food demand and must ensure that this demand is met in a sustainable way,” the secretary-general said.