Missed deadline endangers WTO talks

THERE was relief for EU farmers this week, as world trade negotiators gave up hope of meeting a deadline of April 30 for progress in liberalising trade in farm and industrial goods.

The setback lengthens the odds against a deal which would have cut by more than half the barriers which keep much cheaper farm produce out of the EU.

Such a deal would have opened the EU borders to unlimited beef imports at prices considerably below prevailing prices for Irish or EU product, according to Irish beef processors.