Farmers voice concern over WTO talks in Geneva

Swiss farmers have warned that the current round of negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) will spell the end to many family-run smallholdings.

A declaration by farmers’ representatives from various countries was published in the Swiss city of Geneva as negotiations continued on achieving a global trade agreement.

The Swiss Farmers Association said moves towards further liberalisation were failing to solve the global food crisis and were worsening environmental problems.

The declaration said only major exporting countries, including the United States, Brazil and Australia, stood to benefit from the proposals to reduce customs tariffs.

The farmers’ representatives called on the WTO to respect the right of every country to produce food for its own population.

The week-long talks are seen as the last chance to save the seven-year-old Doha round of trade talks before November’s US presidential elections.