JOB/AG/189  
29 September  2020 
(20-6609) Page: 1/6 
Committee on Agriculture  
Special Session    
 
 
REPORT BY AMB. GLORIA ABRAHAM PERALTA  TO THE  
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE IN SPECIAL SESSION  
25 SEPTEMBER  2020 
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  As indicated in my convening message, I will introduce this discussion with a report on the 
consultations I have been holding since my appointment.  
1.2.  I will conclude by offering some thoughts on the way forward, based on what I have heard 
during these consultations.  
1.3.  In total, I have held 36 meetings with Members and Group Coordinators since the beginning of 
the month. And it goes without saying my door remains open to any delegation willing to meet with 
me. 
1.4.  These consultations focussed on the three issues I had identified in my message circulated on 
29 July to frame our discussions:  
a. First, the lessons learned from the n egotiation process before the pandemic and possible 
adjustments required in the current context;  
b. Second, Members' priorities for negotiation; and  
c. Third, Members' views on the timelines for the different stages of consultations and 
negotiations.  
2  LESSONS FR OM THE PAST AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS  
2.1.  Virtually all Members, particularly developing countries, have reaffirmed the  critical importance 
of the agriculture negotiations.  
2.2.  Many emphasized the vital importance for the credibility of the WTO of an outcome on 
agriculture at MC12 after the lost opportunity in Buenos Aires.  
2.3.  Most delegations, however, considered that an outcome on agriculture at MC12 could only be 
an incremental step in the reform process. Some suggested to look at the way forward with three 
succes sive time horizons: work to be undertaken in the short term, deliverables for MC12 and a 
post-MC12 work programme.  
2.4.  Several Members stressed the impact of the COVID -19 crisis on agricultural production and the 
trading system all over the world and the significant challenges faced by countries, especially the 
most vulnerable ones to address the health, economic and social consequences of the crisis.  
2.5.  It was observed that as a result of the COVID -19 outbreak, several members had adopted 
measures such as ex port restrictions or new domestic support measures to address its effects. In 
that regard, several Members expressed regret about the lack of notification and transparency of JOB/AG/189  
 
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  many of these measures and stressed that it had undermined the security and predi ctability of the 
multilateral trading system.  
2.6.  Many delegations considered that these recent developments further highlighted the important 
role of an open, predictable, transparent and less distorted multilateral trading system, the 
usefulness of current W TO disciplines and the necessity and urgency of agricultural reforms aimed 
at reducing distortions.  
2.7.  Several delegations made reference to recent high -level declarations and statements adopted 
in the COVID -19 context. For these Members, the COVID -19 crisis could be a compelling "wake up" 
call for the negotiating process, with short term COVID -19 related challenges supporting long term 
reform objectives.  
2.8.  On the other hand, some other delegations noted that the current uncertainty generated by 
the COVID -19 cri sis could  compound some pre -existing challenges and hinder the negotiating 
process in the short term, as some Members may insist on preserving their policy space to face the 
crisis.  
2.9.  While some Members considered that further technical and analytical work w as necessary to 
make progress in the negotiations, other Members expressed the view that political leadership was 
paramount.  
3  PRIORITIES IN THE NEGOTIATIONS  
3.1.  I took good note of the negotiating priorities expressed by Group Coordinators and individual 
Member s in my consultations. They form the backbone of our negotiations.  
3.2.  The views expressed on individual topics generally reflect well known positions, as described 
in the reports by my predecessor, and I did not detect any major shift.  
3.3.  Some of these positions  were again eloquently expressed in the first part of our meeting with 
the introduction of new submissions today. As such, I do not intend to provide a detailed description 
or summary of these positions  
3.4.  I also took note of the work currently being undertak en by several Members to assess the 
consequences of the COVID -19 crisis in areas of direct relevance to the negotiations such as export 
restrictions, domestic support and public stockholding, as reflected in the discussions of the 
Committee on Agriculture (regular session) earlier this week as well as our discussions today.  
3.5.  Some delegations indicated that they would need more time and information to revise as 
necessary their positions in light of the crisis. It was also suggested that the agriculture negoti ations 
should look at deliverables aimed at addressing the most urgent post COVID -19 challenges.  
3.6.  Domestic Support remains the priority for many delegations, even more so in the context of 
the C OVID -19 crisis and the SDG goals, with greater focus on the nat ure of an outcome at MC12 
that could pave the way for further progress afterwards, as highlighted by the discussions around 
submission RD/AG/81/Rev.1 earlier this morning.  
3.7.  A number of Members also reiterated their interest in the Market Access pillar. They  were, 
however, realistic that only select transparency elements could possibly be agreed at MC12. Two 
submissions introduced earlier today and the follow -up reactions to them underline the existing 
negotiating ambition and dynamics in this pillar. The pro ponents intend to work towards achieving 
an agreement on a robust framework at MC12 to guide the negotiations post -MC12.  
3.8.  With regard to export restrictions, both components under discussion, namely the exemption 
of World Food Programme purchases from such  measures and the transparency and clarification 
elements were considered by several Members to be particularly relevant in the COVID -19 context 
and deserving renewed focus, as illustrated today by submission JOB/AG/188.  JOB/AG/189  
 
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  3.9.  In this regard, it was also agreed this morning to invite WFP and FAO to present to the 
CoA Special Session  the situation regarding food security and food assistance challenges in the 
COVID -19 context.  
3.10.   On Export Competition, the presentation of submission JOB/AG/184 and subsequent 
discussio n constitutes a good summary of the proponents' views and current negotiation state of 
play. 
3.11.   The critical role of PSH in addressing food security concerns , as further highlighted by the 
COVID -19 crisis , was emphasized by many Members.  
3.12.   The importance of SSM  in dealing with price fluctuations, including in the context of the 
pandemic , was also stressed by the proponents.  
3.13.   Last but not least, several Members and groups of Members reiterated the critical importance 
of an outcome on Cotton.  
3.14.   The discussions on mo st topics included enhanced transparency -related elements. Some 
Members again considered that transparency -related outcomes generally constituted the most 
realistic prospect for MC12 in the current negotiating context. Some other Members viewed this as 
falling short of the minimum level of ambition acceptable for MC12 and several developing countries 
stressed their concerns regarding possible additional burdensome requirements.  
3.15.   The question of overall balance of an agricultural outcome was also mentioned in  my 
consultations, both in terms of balance among the outcomes for all topics and balance among 
different Members, notably in relation to their level of development.  
4  PROCESS FORWARD  
4.1.  Several Members called for a change in the nature of engagement and called for innovative 
ways in organizing our work, including through meetings in various configurations to promote more 
dialogue and constructive discussions. The possibility to use Chair's facilitators to structure these 
discussions was also favourably co nsidered by several delegations, with a few of them expressing 
some caution.  
4.2.  I fully endorse the importance attached to the inclusiveness and transparency of the 
negotiating process by several Members as critical to preserving trust.  
4.3.  But it was also gener ally considered that these principles did not preclude discussions in smaller 
groups, provided these discussions were inclusive and representative of the range of views within 
the Membership and conducted within a clear framework.  
4.4.  I also took good note of the need to give due consideration to the constraints faced by small 
delegations and avoid as much as possible overlapping meetings.  
4.5.  Delegations were generally flexible regarding the timelines for the different stages of the 
negotiations. Several delegatio ns highlighted the lingering uncertainty surrounding the dates for 
MC12.  
4.6.  Nevertheless, delegations considered that this uncertainty should not constitute a reason to 
slow down the pace of work and that it was important to keep momentum and continue to assume 
that MC12 will take place in June 2021.  
4.7.  Some delegations also noted that technical constraints resulting from COVID -19 related health 
and safety measures, notably in relation to capital -based Officials' involvement, could negatively 
impact on the ne gotiating process.  
4.8.  It was however generally considered that Members should be in a position to continue with the 
negotiations and adapt to the current conditions.  JOB/AG/189  
 
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  4.9.  Several delegations considered that the situation could be clearer regarding the possible 
elements of an agricultural outcome at MC12 in early 2021. These views were justified by the 
necessity to continue preparatory technical work, post COVID -19 assessment and outreach efforts , 
as well as by various external deadlines that could influence the neg otiating environment.  
4.10.   Some delegations considered that under the working hypothesis of June 2021 for MC12, text -
based negotiations should start as soon as possible in 2021. Some suggested the circulation of a 
first Chair's text in the first quarter of the year followed by a negotiating process leading to a draft 
final text in Geneva in advance of the Ministerial Conference.  
4.11.   The need to involve in due course Heads of Delegations in the Geneva negotiating process, 
and to mobilize high -level decision makers in  capitals was also stressed by some delegations during 
my consultations.  
5  FINAL TAKE -AWAYS AND SUGGESTED WAY FORWARD  
5.1.  Let me conclude my report by summarizing the key initial take -aways and views on the process 
forward.  
5.2.  First let me thank you warmly for your  kind words and encouragement, the frank and candid 
exchanges and the commitment to support me in the process ahead.  
5.3.  Beyond the welcoming words, I also detected a real, strong and deep sense of engagement by 
Members.  
5.4.  The number of submissions introduced t oday, and the ensuing discussions also demonstrated 
members' commitment and engagement.  
5.5.  I also took note of the unambiguous reaffirmation of the critical and central importance of the 
agriculture negotiations.  
5.6.  Put differently, it is clear for all that an a gricultural outcome at MC12 is a must to preserve the 
credibility of the organization in the years ahead, including through its capacity to address the 
challenges posed by the pandemic.  
5.7.  It is also absolutely clear that MC12 will not be the end of the road and should also be a 
milestone preparing for the continuation of the negotiations afterwards.  
5.8.  One obvious difficulty when looking at the process forward is the COVID -19 related uncertainty, 
including in relation to the date and location of the next Ministe rial Conference.  
5.9.  As highlighted by the Chair of the General Council on 22 July, while delegations have welcomed 
Kazakhstan's renewed offer to host MC12 in June 2021, some Members have noted that the evolution 
of the COVID -19 pandemic remained uncertain, an d that any date set at this stage would need to 
be considered as a "working hypothesis ". 
5.10.   In my view, this uncertainty should not be an excuse for procrastination and should not delay 
in any way our collective efforts to move forward.  
5.11.   This uncertainty, howe ver, impels us to be very pragmatic and agile and adapt as necessary 
our process to the changing and uncertain environment to make the best possible use of our time.  
5.12.   In other words, my intention is neither to slow down the process nor to accelerate it, but  to 
go as fast as possible without taking inconsiderate risks and by adapting our driving to the current 
road and weather conditions.  
5.13.   I also heard the call made by most delegations to look at ways to engage in a more interactive, 
problem -solving and soluti on-searching mode.  JOB/AG/189  
 
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  5.14.   In this regard, several Members noted that open -ended meetings could usefully be 
complemented by small group s meetings  that have proven in the past to be more effective to 
stimulate the dialogue in a spirit of compromise and flexibility.  
5.15.   Like my predecessors, I am firmly committed to the principles of inclusiveness and 
transparency.  
5.16.   The open -ended CoA  Special Session  meetings and Dedicated Sessions shall remain the 
central component of the negotiating process , where all the ideas and pre paratory work undertaken 
in various configurations should be presented for review by the whole Membership.  
5.17.   This being said, I stand ready to look at ways to facilitate the conditions for such exchanges 
in various configurations, while keeping in mind that the negotiations rely first and foremost on your 
collective engagement and capacity to engage with each other.  
5.18.   Regarding the content of our discussions, my preliminary conclusions based on my 
consultations as well as from the presentations in the first par t of our meeting and ensuing 
discussions are as follows:  
5.19.   First, our process forward should be in the continuity of and build upon the extensive work 
undertaken under the leadership of my predecessor, both in terms of technical work, information 
sharing and  identification of possible elements for MC12. This was the case for several submissions 
made today.  
5.20.   My predecessor's latest reports which aimed at capturing the progress made to date are useful 
inputs for the process ahead.  
5.21.   Second, a lot of work remains t o be done. In addition, some negotiating positions and 
priorities, including immediate ones, may need to be updated, reassessed or recalibrated in light of 
the implications of the COVID -19 crisis. Submission TN/AG/44/Rev.1 introduced today constitutes a 
good example of the kind of reflection undertaken by some Members in this regard.  
5.22.   Third, our upcoming work should be informed where necessary by updated information and 
analytical technical work, including the potential impact of the COVID -19 crisis. Here again, we had 
an interesting illustration of this kind of work today with submission JOB/AG/188.  
5.23.   Let me also clarify that , in my view, technical and analytical work is not an alternative to 
negotiations but rather a useful and sometimes necessary comp lement to identify inputs for a 
negotiated outcome.  
5.24.   Technical and analytical work can help Members better understand and assess the issues at 
stake to find appropriate ways to address them in a balanced and pragmatic manner.  
5.25.   Of course, the need for technic al and analytical work may differ from one topic to the other. 
It should not be an academic exercise but should remain targeted and aimed at preparing the ground 
for negotiations, building upon the submissions on the table.  
5.26.   Based on these initial take -aways emanating from today's meeting , as well as my 
consultations, I have decided on the following:  
5.27.   I intend to initiate in the coming weeks a topic -by-topic Chair facilitators -led process.  
5.28.   This process would remain under my supervision. It is intended to remain flexible by nature 
and aimed at generating informal and focused dialogue in a spirit of compromise and flexibility  based 
on existing and future inputs by Members.  
5.29.   This process would r emain targeted and technical by nature and aim at preparing the ground 
for future decisions by clarifying the issues under discussion, including through analytical work, 
discussing current and new inputs notably in light of COVID -19, and looking at ways to  narrow gaps 
and identifying realistic landing zones where possible.  JOB/AG/189  
 
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  5.30.   Facilitators would have the possibility to convene meetings in various configurations, including 
small group meetings broadly representative of the range of views within the Membership. T hey 
would operate in close collaboration with me and would report back to the CoA S pecial Session  and 
Dedicated Sessions.  
5.31.   This process would not be pursued with a "one size fits all" approach. The dynamic and nature 
of exchanges should be adapted to the t opic under consideration.  
5.32.   This process would not be a priori  limited in time. A first evaluation would be made by the 
end of 2020 or in early 2021.  
5.33.   This process would not preclude groups of proponents to continue their own outreach efforts. 
On the contrary , such efforts are complementary and strongly encouraged to feed in to this 
facilitators -led process.  
5.34.   The next step would be to launch this facilitators -led process by circulating soon after this 
meeting a communication summarizing its main features and inv iting delegates interested in being 
designated as Chair's facilitators to make themselves known.  
5.35.   Two more open -ended CoA Special Session meetings and Dedicated Sessions will be held until 
the end of the year. They are tentatively scheduled on 16 November1 and 7 December 2020.  
5.36.   These open -ended meetings will provide an opportunity for facilitators to report on their 
activities to the whole Membership.  
5.37.   They will also give Members an opportunity to introduce new submissions and inputs, as well 
as to report on their outreach and other relevant initiatives.  
5.38.   Last but not least, these open -ended meetings will provide us the opportunity to exchange on 
horizontal issues and assess globally the overall balance of the negotiating process.  
5.39.   This concludes my statement.  
__________  
 
1 Please note that the date has subsequently been revised to 10 November 2020.