EU warns against ending export subsidies

Tokyo: THE EU warned yesterday it cannot accept the elimination of agricultural export subsidies. Farm Commissioner Franz Fischler made this clear as trade ministers gathered in Tokyo for weekend talks.

The World Trade Organisation proposes to eliminate all export subsidies over a nine-year period as part of the new round of trade liberalisation talks.

Mr Fischler said the EU would push for a gradual phasing out of some handouts to farmers, while keeping those that sought to preserve agricultural lands and way of life.