Conference focus on WTO outcome

WINNERS and losers from the ongoing WTO talks will be identified, and the potential for a fairer world trading system for farmers discussed, at a one day conference in Cork, Friday, January 13, chaired by Alan Dukes, the ex-IFA Chief Economist who served as Minister for Agriculture, Finance, Justice and Transport during his Dail career.

The Hong Kong deal is expected to leave many small to medium EU farmers depending heavily on decoupled payments. But developing countries do not seem to have gained at their expense.

Irish farmers will join three farmer representatives from Africa, Asia and the Americas, Non Government Organisations, politicians, academics, researchers and consumers to assess the impact of the international trade negotiations.

Conference bookings should be made as soon as possible to the organisers, Comhlamh Action Network, 55 Grand Parade, Cork (telephone [phone]; e-mail [e-mail]