RESTRICTED  
  
JOB/AG/215  
 
29 July 2021  
(21-5948) Page: 1/27 
Committee on Agriculture  
Special Session    
 
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE IN SPECIAL SESSION  
DRAFT CHAIR TEXT ON AGRICULTURE  
29 July 2021  
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
2   DOMESTIC SUPPORT  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 4 
3   MARKET ACC ESS ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  4 
4   EXPORT COMPETITION  ................................ ................................ ...............................  5 
5   EXPORT RESTRICTIONS  ................................ ................................ .............................  5 
6   COTTON  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  6 
7   SPECIAL SAFEGUARD MECHANISM (SSM)  ................................ ................................ .. 6 
8   PUBLIC STOCKHOLDING FOR FOOD SECURITY PURPOSES (PSH)  ...............................  6 
9   TRANSPARENCY  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  7 
10   CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  7 
ANNEX: DRAFT CHAIR TEXT ON AGRICULTURE  ................................ ...............................  8 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 8 
MARKET ACCESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  9 
EXPORT COMPETITION  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 14 
EXPORT PROHIBI TIONS OR RESTRICTIONS  ................................ ................................ .. 18 
COTTON  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  20 
SPECIAL SAFEGUARD MECHANISM FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRY MEMBERS ...................  21 
PUBLIC STOCKHOLDING FOR FOOD SECURITY PURPOSES  ................................ ............  22 
TRANSPARENCY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  27 
 
  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  One year has now passed since Members decided to place their confidence in me by appointing 
me as Chair of the WTO Committee on Agriculture in Special Session (CoA -SS). I remain deeply 
grateful to Members for the trust they have reposed in m e, for their ongoing support and 
cooperation, and for their encouragement as I seek to navigate the obstacles that we encounter on 
our shared journey towards our collective goal of strengthening the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) 
to make it responsive to t he challenges facing the agricultural trading system. At all times throughout 
this process, I have remained acutely conscious of the enormous responsibility that this role entails, 
and of the great difficulties we all face in this challenging period, and I  would like to take this 
opportunity to reassure Members that I do not underestimate the complexity of our collective 
endeavour, or its significance.  
1.2.  During this past year, I have listened carefully and attentively to Members' expectations and 
concerns – as well as their assessments of what they consider to be desirable and feasible – in our 
pursuit of our overall objectives. I have done so in the meetings of the CoA -SS, my consultations 
with regional groups and coalitions, and my bilateral talks with ind ividual Members. I am very much 
aware that any outcome from our negotiations has to be the product of Members' own engagement 
with one another and has to reflect their own assessment of how best to reconcile their objectives 
and sensitivities with what is realistic and achievable, taking account of their own understanding of 
other Members' objectives and sensitivities, as well as the broader negotiating context.  
1.3.  It is with this in mind that I would like to share today an initial draft text which I sincerel y hope 
will be of value to Members as they seek to make further progress in our negotiations in the run -up 
to the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in November. The draft reflects and builds upon 
my recent report on the way forward towards MC12, wh ich assessed the "state of play " in the 
negotiations1 in light of the valuable work of the Facilitators and the reports they submitted on their 
respective negotiating topics. The draft text also takes into account the submissions that have been 
tabled sin ce then, as well as the comments and reflections which Members have made in their 
interventions in negotiating sessions.  
1.4.  I would therefore like to invite you to consider this text as a tool for you to use to build 
convergence on our shared aims in this pro cess. As such, it is simply a steppingstone  for us to move 
forward on our journey. In a number of areas, it seeks to identify options which Members could 
consider, thereby sketching out the contours for possible compromises and trade -offs within and 
across  negotiating areas. It represents my honest efforts to identify potential broad "landing zones " 
which could attract convergence. The text takes into account the range of views that have been 
expressed by Members and seeks to chart a way forward with this i n mind. It is not intended to be 
a perfect representation of what can and should be achieved , nor to summarize all the views 
expressed by Members: indeed, it is only a tool for you to engage with one another in a constructive 
exchange, collectively using t his text as a reference to work toward an MC12 agricultural outcome.  
1.5.  Of course, Members' views continue to diverge – including on critical issues. With that in mind, 
is now the right time to present a draft text of this sort? In my view, it is precisely s uch divergences, 
which have persisted after months of intense discussions and more than 25 new submissions, that 
make a draft text timely. Given the limited time left before MC12, it is my hope that such a text 
could prompt us to change gear and engage in focused, text -based negotiations aimed at delivering 
concrete outcomes when we return in September.  
1.6.  I fully acknowledge that some submissions were introduced only very recently or are still under 
preparation and will be discussed in the fall. As I mentione d before, this text is only a tool: it is a 
living document which will evolve over time as a result of your future inputs and negotiations.  
1.7.  Square brackets are used in a number of places for a variety of purposes, to reflect Members' 
inputs, suggest altern atives or possible formulations. Where text is not in square brackets, this does 
not convey any degree of acceptance by Members.  
1.8.  Before presenting briefly the different elements of the draft text and the rationale behind them, 
I believe this is also an opp ortune time to take stock, by looking back  on the road we have travelled 
 
1 JOB/AG/202.  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  so far, reminding ourselves of our agreed destination, and reconsidering what has changed around 
us since we first set off.  
1.9.  A quarter -century has now passed since the ink dried on the  signatures to the AoA, and the 
commitment in Article 20 thereof to continue the reform process that was initiated under the 
Uruguay Round. The objectives set out in that Article remain as valid today as they did at that time. 
Today, as then, Members share  the goal of establishing a "fair and market -oriented agricultural 
trading system". Today, as then, they are committed to pursuing negotiations with a view to 
progressively reducing support and protection. And today, as then, they wish to take account of a nd 
accommodate the interests of all Members, including special and differential treatment of developing 
countries, the non -trade concerns of Members such as food security, and the protection of the 
environment . 
1.10.  WTO Members can reasonably take some pride in  the fact that their efforts to date have led 
to the agreement in Nairobi in 2015 to abolish export subsidies and set rules for other forms of farm 
export support – thereby achieving concrete progress on one of the explicit commitments made 
under the Unite d Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2). They also demonstrated, in Bali 
in 2013, that they could reach agreement on the issues of public stockholding for food security 
purposes and the administration of tariff rate quotas as part of a broader pack age. However, we are 
all aware that this is not enough, as the mandate in Article 20 is expansive and much more rigorous. 
There is therefore a lot of pending work . 
1.11.  And since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round in 1995, markets for food and agriculture 
have grown progressively integrated. According to the FAO, trade in food and agriculture has more 
than doubled in real terms,  with the share of  trade between developing countries also growing at a 
rapid rate. Average incomes have risen, with millions of people  lifted out of poverty and hunger , as 
reflected in the publications of the FAO and other International Organizations . A proliferation of 
bilateral and regional trade agreements has accompanied this process, as countries seek to improve 
access to markets and deepen integration with their trading partners – both in neighbouring regions 
and further afield.  
1.12.  However, while we have indeed started off together down the road we agreed to travel, we 
should also recogni ze that there is still rather a long way left to go – and that we will need to pick 
up our pace if we are to successfully conclude the negotiations and make a meaningful difference in 
people's lives  around the world . Markets for food and agriculture still remain highly distorted and 
protected. All too often, they function poorly – with the most vulnerable producers and consumers 
those that pay the highest pric e. In many regions, persistent underinvestment in the farm sector 
has led to low and declining yields, and to stagnant incomes for people living in rural areas deepening 
poverty in some areas. And climate change is creating new challenges for market actors  with 
changing temperature and precipitation patterns and more frequent and intense extreme weather 
events compounding existing problems, such as food insecurity.  
1.13.  There is indeed no room for complacency about the task before us. United Nations agencies 
have recently reported that, in the last few years, progress tackling hunger and malnutrition has 
been reversed, with economic downturns exacerbating the impacts of COVID -19, conflict, and 
climate change. This grim news undermines the likelihood that we will achieve by 2030 the SDGs 
targets on ending hunger and malnutrition. WTO Members can and should contribute to improving 
how food and agriculture markets function by redoubling their efforts to achieve an outcome at 
MC12.  
1.14.  Such an outcome will not be a compre hensive solution to all the problems facing food and 
agricultural markets today. But, very importantly, it can and must contribute to rebuilding confidence 
among governments and other actors in our collective ability to rise to the challenges we face and 
work together to address them. It is urgent for us to lay out a pathway forward to guide our future 
work and set out markers for what we wish to achieve together, including at subsequent Ministerial 
Conferences. It is important to enhance engagement, establ ish and demonstrate political 
commitment and set out a direction for future progress. And it is our responsibility to contribute to 
the broader collective effort to rebuild more inclusive and sustainable economies as we all work to 
overcome the pandemic an d lay the foundations for a more resilient future.  Action is needed now 
with long -term perspective in mind . JOB/AG/215  
 
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  1.15.  With this in mind, I would like to introduce the draft text I have prepared, under my own 
responsibility, for each of the seven negotiating areas in  which we have been pursuing work to date, 
as well as on transparency. As previously stated, this text is without prejudice to Member's positions 
in the negotiations and should be considered as an instrument to support Members' engagement 
after the summer break.  
2  DOMESTIC SUPPORT  
2.1.  The Domestic Support pillar has been at the heart of the agricultural negotiations since their 
commencement in 2000. Numerous submissions have been made on this subject by Members, 
including very recently, emphasi zing the shared objective of addressing trade -distorting domestic 
support (TDDS).  It is also the area where, for both developed and developing Members, the 
expectations for an outcome at MC12 are the highest. Indeed, an outcome on domestic support is 
long overdue. Many c alls have been made to strengthen the existing disciplines on TDDS while at 
the same time leaving sufficient policy space for Members to pursue legitimate policy objectives such 
as food security, supporting small scale and resource -poor farmers, and fostering  a resilient 
agricultural sector.  Addressing TDDS is also needed  to ensure a level playing field and equitable  
trade, and to avoid costly competition between treasuries.  
2.2.  Taking into account  the limited time before MC12 and the persistent differences in how to 
discipline TDDS, my view continues to be that a substantive outcome at MC12 whereby Members 
would agree on concrete modalities for the reduction of TDDS entitlements appears to be out o f 
reach . After having listened carefully to Members ' views, I have not detected any fundamental 
change in Members' positions that would make me think otherwise. However, I continue to believe 
that MC12 can deliver a useful intermediary step forward in the DS reform process that would define 
the path ahead for the benefit of all Members. I also believe that it is our collective duty to make 
every effort to find a way forward in this important area.  The different proposals suggesting concrete 
ideas for substa ntive outcomes could be useful for the next phase when the details of modalities will 
be discussed.  
2.3.  The aim of the text is therefore to encourage Members to meet one another midway, bearing 
in mind the common objective of disciplining TDDS. The text is no t static, and it is expected to evolve 
with Members contributing ideas and making suggestions for its improvement. In that sense, it 
should be seen as a platform on which Members can mount and work towards an outcome at MC12 
and beyond. It proposes some al ternatives to provide a more malleable  basis for finding consensus 
in this important area , building on Members' ideas, submissions2, the Facilitators' report3 and my 
own consultations.  
3  MARKET ACCESS  
3.1.  Regarding market access, I continue to believe that if  elements of this pillar were to be included 
in an MC12 agriculture package, they would contribute to fulfilling Members' desire of having a 
balanced outcome at MC12. In terms of content, I broadly see two specific components of an 
outcome on market access , namely a decision on some specific transparency -inspired elements, and 
a work programme on market access negotiations post -MC12. The issue of applied tariff 
transparency and the treatment of shipments en route  has dominated the transparency discussions 
in the Market Access pillar. The joint proposal in JOB/AG/212 is the basis of my draft text on this 
issue. This proposal emanated from extensive discussions between the proponents and non -
proponents, including during the Market Access Facilitator -led proces s. Its in -built flexibilities, 
including the possibility of agreeing on the decision on a best endeavour basis, has been welcomed 
by some Members. The recent discussions on the proposal in the CoA -SS confirmed that additional 
work might be required to brid ge the remaining gaps in Members' positions. I also attempted to 
include some suggestions in my draft in light of Members' reactions to the proposal.  
3.2.  On a post -MC12 Market Access work programme, the text incorporates some elements from 
the joint proposal i n JOB/AG/198. Several Members have indicated a preference for a comprehensive 
approach and this is reflected in my draft. In addition, the text refers to the issue of non -ad valorem  
tariffs from a narrow perspective of facilitating a conversation among Mem bers on market access 
 
2 These include JOB/AG/102, JOB/AG/112, JOB/AG/137, JOB/AG/172, JOB/AG/177/Rev.2, JOB/AG/182, 
JOB/AG/199, JOB/AG/203, and JOB/AG/206.  
3 JOB/AG/201.  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  modalities, as the absence of data on ad valorem equivalents  (AVEs) could hinder an informed 
discussion on this issue. Mindful of some Members ' view that tariff simplification should not be seen 
purely through the lens of transparency, I wish to emphasize that the reference to AVEs in the text 
is without prejudice to Members' eventual decision on the timing and modalities  of modifying or 
simplify ing the nature of their tariff commitments. Several Members, especially developing Members, 
have raised the importance of addressing non -tariff barriers (NTBs). While being cognizant of other 
existing agreements and Committees that routinely deal with such  matters, I have suggested that 
Members explore possible options to address NTBs within the agriculture market access negotiations. 
Finally, the text acknowledges the linkage which is often invoked by some Members between market 
access and other pillars, p articularly the Domestic Support pillar.  
4  EXPORT COMPETITION  
4.1.  On export competition, the text acknowledges the importance of transparency to ensure a 
proper implementation of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export Competition as well as 
continuation of n egotiations post MC12. References are made to the triennial reviews undertaken 
within the Committee on Agriculture and the Secretariat 's role in supporting Members to fulfil their 
transparency obligations.  
4.2.  The text also builds upon elements contained in th e recent submission JOB/AG/211 to suggest 
options aimed at helping Members to find a balanced way forward to enhance and streamline 
transparency requirements while taking into account concerns expressed by a large group of 
developing country Members cautio ning against burdensome additional transparency requirements. 
In that regard, it has been suggested that the Secretariat could provide relevant trade -related data 
to ease the burden on Members.  
5  EXPORT RESTRICTIONS  
5.1.  On export prohibitions or restrictions, th e text seeks to reflect possible areas of convergence 
on the two issues under discussion: exempting WFP food purchases from export restrictions and 
enhancing compliance with notification requirements under AoA Article 12.  
5.2.  Regarding the first issue,  Member s have acknowledged t he WFP 's admirable work to fight 
hunger and malnutrition , which w as duly recognized through the award of the 2020 Nobel Peace 
Prize to the WFP. I have listened carefully to the discussions to date, including following the most 
recent s ubmission by the African Group .4 My assessment remains that the text emerging from the 
December 2020 discussions as set out in the Facilitator's report5 continues to be a plausible basis 
for Members to re -engage in the negotiations with a view to reaching an agricultural outcome at 
MC12. Many Members have reiterated their support for this text, as it could facilitate the highly 
valued humanitarian work of  the WFP, while taking due account of importing Members' concerns 
regarding domestic policy and food security considerations.  
5.3.  On the second issue, the  text is intended to capture various elements identified in the 
proponents ' submissions in particular JOB/ AG/207, and related discussions to date, taking into 
account their varying degrees of maturity. It recognizes in particular the importance of transparency 
in minimizing the potential effects of export restrictions on price volatility and the food security of 
importing countries, while acknowledging the concerns expressed by a large group of developing 
country Members regarding the possible burden associated with any additional requirements. In 
particular, the text envisages a best -endeavour clause for a 30 -day time period for advance notice 
and, as an alternative, an obligation with the same period except in situations involving force 
majeure . Further, the text suggests concrete ways in which the Secretariat could further assist 
Members in fulfilling notific ation obligations and notes the possibility for Members to explore how to 
revise G/AG/2. As is the case for all th e other topics, this section which also provides for the 
continuation of the negotiations post -MC12, should be read in light of the entire tex t, taking due 
account of the need expressed by Members to ensure a proper balance across various issues and 
priorities.  
 
4 JOB/AG/206.  
5 JOB/AG/201 . JOB/AG/215  
 
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  6  COTTON  
6.1.  As stated on many occasions, an outcome on c otton remains for  many Members an important 
element of an MC12 agricultural package, in view of its critical role for the socio -economic 
development and livelihoods of many people , particularly  in LDC Members . The text mainly covers 
transparency and trade -distorting domest ic support for cotton. A third component related to 
development is being addressed in parallel within the Director General's Consultative Framework 
Mechanism on Cotton . 
6.2.  On transparency, the text acknowledges the existing enhanced cotton dedicated mechanism  
and reiterates Members' commitment to explore ways to further improve it, building upon the work 
undertaken in the context of the Facilitator -led process and subsequent developments.  
6.3.  As noted in my state of play report6, trade -distorting domestic support  for cotton constitutes 
the central element of the negotiations on this topic, and remains an important goal for many 
Members , and a priority for some  – but is also characterized by the absence of convergence so far. 
In this context, the text reflects the mandate to address  cotton ambitiously, expeditiously, and 
specifically, while also taking into account the overall context of the agriculture negotiations , 
particularly the negotiations on domestic support generally.7 
7  SPECIAL SAFEGUARD MECHANISM  (SSM)  
7.1.  On SSM, both the report by the Facilitator8 and my state of play report9 have acknowledged 
the lack of technical engagement among Members. The proposed draft decision on SSM principally 
seeks to address this very aspect of the SSM negotiations by encouragin g Members to organize 
technical discussions around five major themes, namely, evaluation of import surges  and price 
decreases; t riggers and cross -check ; remedies ; scope, including coverage and the treatment of 
preferential trade , and transparency and other  issues . The identification of these thematic elements 
is based on the SSM Facilitator -led process and the final report of the Facilitator. Considering my 
agreement with the Facilitator on the role of the SSG in facilitating the technical discussions on SS M, 
I have made a proposal along these lines in my draft text.   
7.2.  I have taken note of the recent proposal by the African Group10 covering both price -based and 
volume -based SSM. I encourage both the proponents and non -proponents to engage so as to better 
appreciate each other's positions.  
8  PUBLIC STOCKHOLDING FOR FOOD SECURITY PURPOSES  (PSH)  
8.1.  Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes (PSH) is a priority issue for the proponents who 
have repeatedly stressed its usefulness as a tool for addressing food secur ity and rural livelihoods, 
especially in times of crisis such as the COVID -19 pandemic. Consequently, they have urged the 
adoption of a permanent solution by MC12 that is simple , efficient , and broader in coverage.  
8.2.  While Members acknowledge the Bali and Na irobi Ministerial mandates to find a permanent 
solution and recognize its potential role as a food security instrument , the non -proponents remain 
particularly concerned about potential trade distortions and the prospect of unlimited market price 
support be ing granted to PSH programmes of developing country Members. Several Members have 
argued that PSH programmes represent one tool among many that can be used to ensure food 
security and have called for the use of measures with minimal trade -distorting potent ial. These 
Members also consider enhanced transparency requirements and safeguards crucial to providing 
them with reassurances against unintended consequences.   
8.3.  Given the widely divergent views of Members, I have found it very challenging to propose a 
way forward on this issue. Taking into account the proposals by Members and the views expressed 
during my consultations with a wide range of Members, as well as documents and analysis put 
 
6 JOB/AG/202.  
7 It is noted that the C -4 informed Members that the  Group is working on a new contribution.  
8 JOB/AG/201.  
9 JOB/AG/202.  
10 JOB/AG/205 and Corr.1  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  forward  in recent years , my first option proposed below draws inspiration from the draft text 
circulated at MC11 a nd recent submissions made by Members.11  
8.4.  The second option proposes a way forward with an intermediary step to be taken at MC12.   
9  TRANSPARENCY  
9.1.  Transparency is considered as an important cross -cutting is sue by several Members, as 
illustrated by a recent submission by some Members .12 The text should be considered in light of the 
various transparency -related provisions included in the proposed decisions on the various 
negotiating topics aimed at finding a c omprehensive way forward on this issue after MC12 in the 
Committee on Agriculture which may necessitate changes to document G/AG/2.  
9.2.  The text also addresses the role of the Secretariat in respect of technical assistance and the 
development of IT tools.  
10  CONC LUSION  
10.1.  Let me now conclude with a few words on the way forward.  
10.2.  The draft text will soon be circulated to you along with my explanation . The next CoA Special 
Session meeting is scheduled for 7 -8 September. The main objective of this meeting is to give you  
an opportunity to provide your initial comments and discuss the way forward.  
10.3.  On my side, I will reconvene my consultations in various configurations to prepare the ground 
for the continuation of our negotiation process during the fall and prepare for the next CoA -SS 
meeting. As always, my door remains open for any Member willing to contact me.  
10.4.  I invite you to take advantage of the summer break to study this text carefully in a 
constructive spirit. As already mentioned, we will have less than three months l eft before MC12 
when we come back from vacation. We need also to be mindful that Members will be negotiating 
other topics in parallel to agriculture.  
10.5.  The moment has come to find compromises and solutions, and to adapt our expectations, 
where appropriate. It is my sincere hope that this text will help Members to chart a way forward in 
the negotiations.  
10.6.  I encourage you to use this text to intensify negot iations with each other. My role as Chair is 
not to negotiate with you, it is to facilitate negotiations amongst you as this is the only way for an 
agreement to be reached at MC12 and beyond. I will remain an honest broker and count on your 
full support as  we enter into the last stretch of the negotiation. Working together and exercising the 
necessary flexibility, we can achieve a credible outcome on agriculture at MC12.  
10.7.  I expect you to enhance your engagements after the summer by having focused and 
interac tive discussions and avoiding repeating long held positions. We need to keep in view the 
broader objective of having these negotiations, which can make a difference in people's lives.  
10.8.  I thank you.  
_______________  
 
 
11 Relevant documents in this regard include the Minister Facilitator text at MC11 circulated on 
12 December 2017,  JOB/AG/204, JOB/AG/206, JOB/AG/214, JOB/AG/201  and JOB/AG210 . 
12 JOB/AG/213.  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  ANNEX : DRAFT CHAIR TEXT ON AGRICULTURE  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  
The Ministerial Conference,  
Having regard to paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;  
Recalling the long -term objective to establish a fair and market -oriented agricultural trading system 
and to provide for substantial progressive reductions in a gricultural support and protection sustained 
over an agreed period of time, resulting in correcting and preventing restrictions and distortions in 
world agricultural markets as stated in the Preamble of the Agreement on Agriculture;  
Decides as follows : 
Members agree on  the following principles for the negotiation of new disciplines on Domestic 
Support:  
1. Members commit to cap ping and reduc ing the sum of current global agricultural trade - and 
production -distorting domestic support entitlements by at least half  by 2030  [alternatively : 
Members commit to  a substanti al reduction of trade - and production -distorting domestic 
support entitlements ] according to modalities  to be negotiated .  
2. To this end, these negotiations shall take into consideration all forms of trade- and production -
distorting domestic support under Article 6 of the Agreement on Agriculture  [taking into 
account the different potential of each category to distort production and trade] . [Developing 
countries shall be accorded special and differenti al treatment, including for domestic support 
provided by them to low income or resource poor farmers under Article 6.2 .] [Members agree 
to address AMS above de minimis  entitlements with the aim of reducing subsidy concentration 
and to level the playing fie ld.]  
3. The contributions by individual Members in these reductions will need to be proportionate to 
the size of those Members' current entitlements and their potential impact on global markets, 
taking into account the individual circumstances and developmen t needs of Members , [to 
ensure the global target is reached by 2030 ].  
4. LDCs will not be required to undertake any new reduction commitments.  
5. Members note the importance of the implementation of existing notification obligations under 
Article 18 of the Agre ement on Agriculture and undertake to make the necessary effort s to 
provide all outstanding DS:1 notifications  to enhance transparency with respect to existing 
domestic support commitments . [Members undertake to provide the value of production data 
as part  of their DS:1 notifications .]  
6. [Members shall consider reviewing and clarifying Annex 2 criteria and related transparency 
requirements, where necessary, to ensure that relevant domestic support measures have no, 
or at most minimal trade-distorting effects or effects on production .]    
7. [Members also commit to simplifying and updating the current transparency requirements in 
G/AG/2, taking due account of the capacity constraints of some Members. ] 
 
_______________  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  MARKET ACCESS  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  
GUIDELINES TO ENCHANCE TRANSPARENCY IN APPLIED TARIFF RATE CHANGES  
The Ministerial Conference,  
 
Having  regard to  paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade 
Organization (the " WTO Agreement");  
 
Recognizing that transparency  and a predictable trading environment are fundamental elements of 
the multilateral trading system ;  
 
Underscoring  the need for Members to take steps to ensure international trade remains predictable ; 
 
Desiring to enhance transparency and predictability in the application of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) 
applied tariff rates without causing undue burden on Member s' customs administration ; 
 
Understanding  that unexpected increases in MFN applied tariff rates by Members can create 
uncertainty for traders, as well as additional costs, and can be a significant disincentive to trade ; 
 
Reaffirming Members rights to adjust MFN applied tariff rates consistent with their respective Goods 
Market Access Schedule.  
 
Decides  as follows:  
 
Scope:  
 
1. This Decision applies to changes in MFN applied tariffs  in respect of both agricultural and 
non-agricultural goods . 
 
Best Practices in the application of changes1 to MFN applied tariff rates:  
 
2. In order to promote predictability in the application of changes to MFN applied tariff rates, 
whilst recognizing that Members have different domestic frameworks and customs 
administration practices, Members agree that the options presented in Annex 1 to this 
Decision represent best practices in the application of such chan ges. 
 
3. Members also agree to examine options to inform the WTO as soon as practicable of MFN 
applied tariff changes as part of broader efforts to improve transparency in the WTO.  
 
Application of Best Practices:  
 
4. Recognizing  that Members have different dome stic frameworks and customs administration 
practices, Members [shall][should] apply at least one of the best practices listed in Annex 1 
of this Decision.  
 
5. Least Developed Country (LDC) Members in a position to do so should apply [at least] one 
of the best  practices listed in Annex 1 of this Decision.   
 
Ongoing Development of Best Practices:   
 
6. Members recogni ze that additional best practices may be developed to improve predictability 
and transparency when an MFN applied tariff rate changes.  
 
7. To this end,  Members are encouraged to present additional best practices to the Committee 
on Market Access (CMA), which will be responsible for an annual review of this Decision. If 
 
1 A Member may decide not to apply this Decision in cases where MFN applied tariffs are lowered.  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  no objections are raised in the annual review, the best practice(s) shall be added to the list 
in Annex 1 to this Decision.  
 
Notification:  
 
8. Members [shall] [are encouraged to] notify to the CMA the best practice(s) they use, outlined 
in Annex 1 to this Decision, no later than [12] [6] months after the adoption of this Decision. 
Members [sh all] [should] notify to the CMA of subsequent changes to their practices.  
 
9. If a Member is not in a position to implement one of the best practices presented in Annex  1 
to this Decision, the Member [shall][should] notify to the CMA its current practice in this 
matter.  
 
10. Members [should][shall] use the template in Annex 2 to this Decision to notify their 
practice(s) to the WTO .2 
 
11. The WTO Secretariat shall maintain a list of practi ces notified by Members.  
 
12. Members facing resource constraints in meeting this notification shall, upon request from 
another Member, provide information on the current practice(s) used by them. 
 
Technical Assistance:  
 
13. Upon request, the WTO Secretariat shall  provide technical assistance to [developing] 
Members who encounter challenges in applying a best practice presented in Annex 1 to this 
Decision. In addition, [developing] Members and LDCs are encouraged to reach out to 
Members to discuss how to apply the best practice(s) or develop a best practice that fits 
their domestic system.  
 
 
 
2 Information on notified practices submitted pursuant to this Decision is for transparency purposes and 
does not prejudge its consi stency or otherwise with provisions of relevant WTO Agreements.  JOB/AG/215  
 
- 11 - 
 
  ANNEX 1  
BEST PRACTICES IN THE APPLICATION OF CHANGES TO MFN APPLIED TARIFF RATES  
1. Provide an approach for shipments or consignments en route1 to be eligible to benefit from the 
tariff treatment in effect at the time such shipments or consignments  begin their final journey 
from the country of exportation . 
 
2. Provide in advance clear guida nce on how a tariff will change in response to defined factors, 
such as changes in market prices or indexation against inflation.  
 
3. Provide the ability to pre -pay customs duties on shipments, according to the domestic laws of 
the importing Member, so that the importer pays the tariff in effect at the time the goods begin 
their final journey from the country of exportation.  
 
4. Provide a public notice prior to coming into force of  a change in an applied tariff rate.2  
 
 
1 The Oxford English Dictionary defines en route  as "On the way, in the course of the journey ". It can be 
inferred that the product will soon be exported or has been exported to a destination market, and the exporter 
may thus not account for the impact of the applied tariff changes on the shipment in question. A Member may 
have a more precise definition or may provide guidance on its application.  
2 For example, this could be XX days  prior notice. This option includes such actions as equivalent to 
public notice (e.g. , appropriate disclosure of provisional information to the public on the amendment of applied 
tariff) as long as the compliance with Article X:2 of the GATT  1994 is secure d. JOB/AG/215  
 
- 12 - 
 
  ANNEX 2  
TEMPLATE TO [INFORM/NOTIFY] CURRENT PRACTICE IN  
THE APPLICATION OF MFN APPLIED TARIFF RATE  CHANGES  
Member: XYZ  
 
Date: Day/Month/Year  
 
 
1. Description of Current Practice when an applied MFN tariff rate changes 
(including relevant weblinks, if applicable):  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Corresponding Best Practice from Annex  1 (check practice applicable)1   
 
a.  _____  
 
 
b.  _____  
 
 
c.  _____  
 
 
d.  _____  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
1 This template would be updated as new best practices are agreed.  JOB/AG/215  
 
- 13 - 
 
  ELEMENTS FOR THE CONTINUATION OF WORK POST -MC12 
MARKET ACCESS  
1. Members agree to reinvigorate the negotiations on agricultural market access with a view to 
reduc ing the level of protection and creat ing meaningful market access opportunities.  Members 
commit to achieving enhanced  market access outcomes through incrementa l steps .  
2. Negotiations shall be based on the following guiding principles:  
i. Tariff reductions will be made from bound rates with deeper cuts in higher tariffs  in order to 
achieve substantial progressive reduction in tariff levels.  Each Member (other than LD Cs) 
will make a contribution based on  the negotiating  modalities and parameters to be agreed.  
ii. Negotiating modalities shall take into account the different elements of the Market Access 
pillar and across other pillars, particularly the Domestic Support pillar. 
iii. The treatment of non -tariff barriers within the framework of the agriculture market access 
negotiations shall be explored.  
iv. Account shall be taken of special and differential treatment for developing country Members 
and non -trade concerns of Members.  
3. To pave the way for informed discussions on tariff reduction modalities, Members agree to notify 
ad valorem  equivalents (AVEs) of non -ad valorem  tariffs in their Schedules with an explanation 
of data and calculations used within [x] months after MC12.  
4. Members commit to enhance transparency and monitoring in the area of agricultural market 
access  [, including by streamlining as necessary the exi sting notification requirements and 
formats under G/AG/2 ]. Members also agree to making all efforts to comply with current 
notification obligations under this pillar . 
 
 
_______________  
 JOB/AG/215  
 
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  EXPORT COMPETITION  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  
The Ministerial Conference,  
Having regard to Paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;   
Recalling  that the 2015 Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export Competition (WT/MIN(15)/45 - 
WT/L/980 ) constituted an  historic achievement in the reform of agricultural trade with the 
elimination of export subsidies and  the introduction of new disciplines on export credits, export credit 
guarantees or insurance programmes , international food aid, and agricu ltural exporting state trading 
enterprises ; 
 
Emphasizing  the importance of transparency in the Export Competition pillar to ensure an effective 
monitoring of the implementation of the Nairobi Decision by the Committee on Agriculture as well 
as to gain a be tter understanding of the various policies in place  and to assist Members to negotiate 
possible additional  disciplines focussing on the impact of measures with equivalent effect on 
international markets ; 
 
Building on  the experience gained by Members in the Committee on Agriculture in reviewing 
Members ' practices  in relation to export competition following  the adoption  of the Nairobi Decision;  
 
Taking note of  the proposals made by Members in this regard ; 
 
Decides  as follows:  
 
1. Members reaffirm their commi tment to ensure an effective implementation and monitoring of 
the Nairobi Decision.  
2. Members welcome  in this regard the two Triennial Reviews of the Nairobi Decision undertaken 
by the Committee on Agriculture in 2018 and 2021, pursuant to paragraph 5 of the  Nairobi 
Decision [including  the report  adopted  by the Committee on Agriculture as a result of the Second 
Triennial Review in document G/AG/XX][, and commit to successfully conclude the Second 
Triennial Review at the first 2022 meeting of the Committee on Agriculture].  
3. With a view to better assisting  Members in the implementation of  the Nairobi Decision, Members 
invite the WTO Secretariat to pursue efforts to provide  support as appropriate , based on a 
proper assessment of the challenges encountered by  developing country  Members who are not 
yet accustomed to responding to the annual Export Competition Questionnaire, including 
through ad hoc  advice, information sessions, technical assistance and capacity -building support . 
4. Members agree to adopt the improvements to the annual export competition questionnaire as 
set out in Annex I.  For Members facing difficulties in providing export data by product or product 
group1, the WTO Secretariat shall provide these data upon request by such Members.2 
5. With a view to providing contextual information to Members' replies to the Export Competition 
Questionnaire, the WTO Secretariat shall also provide as a complement to the export data by 
product or product group by Member1, annual data on total world expor ts for the corresponding 
product or product group.2 
 
1 As foreseen in item 9 of the section on  export credit, export credit guarantees or insurance programs , 
item 8 of the section on international food aid and item 4 of the section on agri cultural exporting state trading 
enterprises in Annex I.  
2 These data shall be based on the definition  in terms of the Harmonized System classification  for the 
respective product or product group provided by the Member, and be sourced from officially avail able 
international databases, data provided by WTO Members to the WTO Secretariat or other relevant  easily 
accessible well-recognized source s. JOB/AG/215  
 
- 15 - 
 
  6. [In light of the changes introduced in the area of Export Competition following the adoption of 
the Nairobi Decision,  Members commit to explore ways through an evidence -based process to 
streamline, update and clarify the notification requirements and formats under G/AG/2 in 
conjunction with the annual Export Competition Questionnaire taking into account the capacity 
constraints of some Members.]  
7. Members reaffirm their commitment to  continu e, after MC12 , negotiations on Export 
Competition  building on the evidence amassed during the review undertaken in the Committee 
on Agriculture,  with a view to  enhanc ing disciplines on e xport credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes, agricultural exporting state trading enterprises and international food 
aid, to ensure that there is no circumvention of the relevant disciplines which undermine s export 
subsidy elimination c ommitments and to prevent non -commercial transactions from being used 
to circumvent such commitments. [Flexibilities, when appropriate, may include inter alia longer 
implementation periods.]  
  JOB/AG/215  
 
- 16 - 
 
  ANNEX  I 
EXPORT CREDIT , EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEES OR INSURANCE PROGRAMS (EXPORT FINANCING ) 
 
Consistent with the Bali Ministerial Declaration on Export Competition , Members shall continue to 
provide information on Export Credit, Export Credit Guarantees or Insurance Programs within the 
context  of an annual examination process, based on the following structure:  
 
1. Description of the program (classification within the following categories: direct 
financing support, risk cover, government to government credit agreements or any 
other form of governmental export cr edit support)  and relevant legislation  
2. Description of Export Financing Entity  
3. Total value of export of agricultural products covered by export credits, export credit 
guarantees or insurance programs and use per program  
4. Annual average premium rates/fees per  program  
5. Maximum repayment terms per program  
6. Annual average repayment periods per program  
7. Export destination or group of destinations per program  
8. Program use by product or product group  
9. [To the extent possible], annual data on total export s of the product or product  group  
covered by export financing  programs . 
FOOD AID  
 
Consistent with the Bali Ministerial Declaration on Export Competition, Members shall continue to 
provide information on International Food Aid within the context of an annual examination process, 
based on the following structure:  
1. Product description  
2. Quantity and/or value of food aid provided  
3. Description of  whether food aid is provided on in -kind, untied cash -based basis and 
whether moneti zation was permitted  
4. Description of whet her in fully grant form or concessional terms  
5. Description of relevant needs assessment (and by whom) and whether food aid is 
responding to a declaration of emergency or an emergency appeal (and by whom)  
6. Description of whether re -export of food aid is an op tion under the terms of the 
provision of food aid  
7. [   ] 
8. [To the extent possible], annual data on total export s of the product or product group 
for which the Member provides international food aid . 
 
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTING STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES  
 
Consiste nt with the Bali Ministerial Declaration on Export Competition, Members shall continue to 
provide information on Agricultural Exporting State Trading Enterprises within the context of an 
annual examination process, based on the following structure:  
1. Enumera tion of State Trading Enterprises  
• Identification of state trading enterprises  
• Description of products affected (including tariff item number(s) encompassed in 
product description) . JOB/AG/215  
 
- 17 - 
 
  2. Reason and purpose  
• Reason or purpose for establishing and/or maintaining state trading enterprise  
• Summary of legal basis for granting the relevant exclusive or special rights or 
privileges, including legal provisions and summary of statutory or constitutional 
powers . 
3. Description of the functioning of the State Tradi ng Enterprise  
• Summary statement providing overview of operations of the state trading 
enterprise  
• Specification of exclusive or special rights or privileges enjoyed by the state trading 
enterprise . 
4. [To the extent possible], annual data on total export s of the product s affected.  
Additional information subject to normal commercial confidentiality considerations  
1.  Exports (value/volume)  
2.  Export prices  
3.  Export destination . 
 
 
_______________  
 JOB/AG/215  
 
- 18 - 
 
  EXPORT PROHIBITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  
The Ministerial Conference,  
Having regard to Paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;   
Recalling and reaffirming Article 12 of the Agreement on Agriculture and Article XI of GATT 1994;  
 
In view of the critical humanitarian support provided by the  World Food Programme, made more 
urgent in light of the COVID -19 pandemic and other crises,  
 
With the understanding that the World Food Programme always takes procurement decisions on the 
basis of its principles to "do no harm " to the supplying Member and promote local and regional food 
procurement , 
 
Emphasizing the importance of transparency and effective monitoring of export prohibitions and 
restrictions of foodstuffs to a predictable international trading environment and international food 
security, including in light of the COVID -19 pandemic;  
 
Taking note of  the proposals made by Members in this regard ; 
 
Decides  as follows:  
 
1.   Members shall not impose export prohibitions or restrictions on foodstuffs purchased for non -
commercial humanitarian purposes by the World Food Programme . [It is understood that 
Members' food security shall not be jeopardi zed as a result of these purchases. ] 
 
2.   For the purposes of Article 12.1(b) of the Agreement on Agriculture, any Member instituting 
any export prohibitions or restrictions to prevent or relieve critical shortages of foodstuffs in 
accordance with Article XI.2(a) of GATT 1994 shall [, where possib le,] give notice in writing to 
the Committee on Agriculture of the measure no later than [30 days ], prior to the coming into 
force of the measure. [However, where critical shortage of foodstuffs is caused by an event 
constituting force majeure , the [30 days] prior notification period need not apply. In such 
circumstances, the Member shall give notice in writing, as far in advance as practicable to the 
Committee on Agriculture , but no later than [10 days] after it takes effect .] 
 
3.   The provisions in paragraph 2 of this Decision shall not apply to (i) any least developed country 
or net food -importing developing country (NFIDC)1 Member  instituting new temporary export 
prohibitions or restrictions on foodstuffs; or (ii) any other developing country Member instituting 
new temporary export prohibitions or restrictions on foodstuffs, unless the measure is taken by 
a developing country Member  which is a net -food exporter of the specific foodstuff concerned.  
 
4.   With a view to better assisting Members in the implementation of Articles 12 and 18 of the 
Agreement on Agriculture, Members  invite the WTO Secretariat to : 
4.1  pursue  efforts to assist developing country Members to comply with the relevant notification 
requirements , including  through ad hoc  advice, technical assistance and capacity -building 
support , and 
4.2  provide annual data on volumes  and values  of exports and imports by Member s, covering 
agriculture products as defined in Annex I of the Agreement on Agriculture .2 
 
1 As listed in the latest revision of G/AG/5 . 
2 These data shall be sourced from officially available international databases, data provided by WTO 
Members to the WTO Secretariat or other relevant  easily accessible well-recognized source s. JOB/AG/215  
 
- 19 - 
 
  5.   Members  reaffirm their right to have recourse to paragraphs 6 and 7 of Article 18 of the 
Agreement on Agriculture in relation to export prohibitions or restrictions .  
6.   Members  having recourse  to the consultation mechanism pursuant  to Article 12.1.(b)  of the 
Agreement on Agriculture shall endeavour to report to the Committee  on Agriculture the 
progress made in the consultations as early a s practicable.  
7.   [Members commit to exploring ways to update and clarify the notification requirements and 
formats under G/AG/2, taking due account of the capacity constraints of some Members . These 
may include clarifications related to the description of th e critical shortage s justifying the 
imposition of the measure  or the way  in which due consideration was given to the effects on 
importing Members ' food security. ] 
8.   Members shall continue negotiations on ways to improve the transparency and predictability of  
export prohibitions and restrictions after MC1 2, including by looking at ways to clarify relevant 
WTO provisions , including in relation to notification requirements for measures of long duration.  
 
_______________  
 JOB/AG/215  
 
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  COTT ON 
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  
The Ministerial Conference,  
Having regard to Paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;   
Noting the vital importance of cotton to a number of developing economies, particularly the least -
developed amongst them;  
Taking into account recent trends in cotton markets, including the impacts of the COVID -19 
pandemic;  
Emphasizing in this regard the importance of transparency and effective monitoring of cotton -related 
trade measures impacting cotton trade and markets ; 
Welcoming the specific cotton -related transparency and monitoring mechanisms put in place as a 
result of previous Mi nisterial Conferences, including the Cotton portal launched on the occasion of 
MC11;  
Decides as follows:   
TRADE RELATED COMPONENT  
1.   Members  undertake to continue holding Dedicated Discussions  on cotton on a bi -annual 
basis,  as mandated by  paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 of the Bali Ministerial Decision on Cotton  
(WT/MIN(13)/41  - WT/L/916 ) and confirmed in paragraph 14 of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision 
on Cotton (WT/MIN(15)/46  - WT/L/981) . 
2.   Members  undertake to continue  monitor ing the implementatio n of commitments contained in 
the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Cotton  across the three pillars of Market Access, Domestic 
Support , and Export Comp etition  during the Dedicated Discussions on Cotton,  based on relevant 
Members' notifications to the WTO, com plemented as necessary by Members' replies to specific 
requests for information from the WTO Secretariat . 
3.   Members welcome the work undertaken during the Dedicated Discussions on Cotton to monitor 
cotton trade and markets including through side events, nota bly in relation to the impact of the 
COVID -19 pandemic on the cotton sector and commend WTO partners participating in this 
exercise.  
4.   Members acknowledge the statement on the WTO Cotton negotiations adopted by a group of 
Members on 7 October 2019 (JOB/AG/16 5) and commit to  intensify discussions on factors 
negatively impacting cotton trade and market s and to  continue efforts aimed at enhancing 
transparency and the monitoring of cotton -related trade measures . 
5.   [To this end, M embers commit in particular to explore ways  to enhance collection, processing, 
and circulation of cotton -related  relevant data including by updating and clarifying as necessary 
the bi -annual cotton questionnaire  and the notification requirements and formats under G/AG/2 , 
taking due account of the capacity constraints of some Members .] 
6.   Having regard to the Ministerial Decision on Domestic Support ( symbol document ), Members 
agree to continu e negotiations on the reduction of trade-distorting domestic support for cotton 
post-MC12 in accordance with the mandate to address cotton ambitiously, expeditiously, and 
specifically within the agriculture negotiations. The negotiations shall be based on Members' 
existing and future submissions, as well as on up -to-date domestic support notifications.  
7.   Members  agree to review progress in respect of c otton at the 1 3th Ministerial Conference and 
adopt any necessary decisions. In that regard, Members invite the Director -General to submit 
a report to the Conference on the progress made in implementing the trade -related components 
of this Decision , including on the negotiations on cotton trade domestic support.  
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE COMPONENT  
8.   [To be developed .] 
_______________  JOB/AG/215  
 
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  SPECIAL SAFEGUARD MECHANISM FOR DEVELOPING CO UNTRY MEMBERS  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  
The Ministerial Conference , 
 
Having regard to  paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;  
 
Reaffirming the Ministerial Decision of 19 December 2015 (WT/MIN( 15)/43  - WT/L/978);  
 
In the context of  addressing outstanding agricultural issues; and  
 
Taking note of  the proposals made by Members in this regard;  
 
Decides  as follows:  
 
1.   Pursuant to the Nairobi Ministerial Decision (WT/MIN(15)/43  - WT/L/978), Members shall 
continue to pursue negotiations on a special safeguard mechanism for developing countr y 
Members in dedicated sessions of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session (CoA -SS). 
2.   In order to make progress in the negotiations, Members shall en gage in enhanced technical 
discussions on the following specific themes identified in the Facilitator -led SSM process: 
evaluation of import surges  and price decreases; t riggers and cross -check ; remedies ; scope, 
including coverage and the treatment of prefe rential trade ; and transparency and other issues .  
3.   Technical discussions shall be guided by the Special Safeguard (SSG) provisions in Article 5 of 
the Agreement on Agriculture taking into account the experience gained in its implementation 
since 1995.  
4.   The General Council shall regularly review progress in these negotiations.  
 
_______________  
 JOB/AG/215  
 
- 22 - 
 
  PUBLIC STOCKHOLDING FOR FOOD SECURITY PURPOSES  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  1 
The Ministerial Conference,  
 
Having regard to paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;  
 
Acknowledging  the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/38  - WT/L/913), the 
General Council Decision of 27 November 2014 (WT/L/939) and the Mini sterial Decision of 
19 December 2015 (WT/MIN(15)/44  - WT/L/979);  and 
 
Recognizing  the importance of public stockholding programmes for food security purposes for 
developing country Members [as further highlighted by the COVID -19 pandemic];  
 
Decides  as foll ows: 
 
1.   By this Decision, Members agree to put in place a permanent solution as set out below 
on public  stockholding for food security purposes. This Decision replaces the interim 
solution  (WT/MIN(13)/38  - WT/L/913) for Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes 
adopted  in Bali, Indonesia in December 2013, as clarified in the General Council Decision of 
27 November  2014 (WT/L/939).   
 
2.   Provided that the conditions set out in paragraphs 3 to 6 are met, Members shall not challenge 
through the WTO Dispute Set tlement Mechanism, compliance of a developing country Member 
with its obligations under Articles 6.3 and 7.2(b) of the Agreement on Agriculture in relation to 
support provided for [any foodstuff  covered thereof]/[traditional staple food crops1] in 
pursuance of public stockholding programmes for food security purposes2,3, that are consistent 
with the criteria of paragraph 3, footnote 5, and footnote 5&6 of Annex 2 to the Agreement on 
Agriculture.   
NOTIFICATION AND TRANSPARENCY  
3.   To benefit from  this Decision, a  developing country Member must:  
a. have provided, prior to the notification under sub -paragraph  (b) below , general 
information about  each public stockholding programme that it maintains for food security 
purposes under paragraph 2 by complet ing entries 2 -4 of the template contained in the 
Annex4;  
b. have notified the Committee on Agriculture at the latest as per sub -paragraph (c) below, 
that it is exceeding or is at risk of exceeding either or both of its Aggregate Measurement 
of Support (AMS) limits (the Member's Bound Total AMS or the de minimis  level) as a 
result of its programmes mentioned above;  
c. have fulfilled for the initial year in which it invokes this Decision and continue to fulfil 
during the entire period that it invokes this Decision, its domestic support notification 
 
1 This term refers to primary agricultural products that are predominant staples in the traditional diet of 
a developing Member.   
2 This Decision should be read as covering public stockholding programmes for food security purposes 
existing as of 7 December 2013 as well as new programmes introduced after this date by least developed 
country Members, and those by developing country Members [with an upper limit of total procurement not 
exceeding [15%] of the domestic production quantity of the crop in question] .  
3 This Decision does not preclude developing country Members from introducing programmes of public 
stockholding for food security purposes in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Agreement on 
Agriculture.  
4 This is without prejudice to the exi sting domestic support notification requirement in G/AG/2 pursuant 
to Article 18.3 of the A greement on Agriculture . JOB/AG/215  
 
- 23 - 
 
  requirements under the  Agreement on Agriculture in accordance with document G/AG/2 
of 30 June 1995, but not later than the period specified in the Annex;  
d. have provided for the initial year in which it invokes this Decision , and continue to provide 
on an annual basis during the entire period it invokes  this decision, additional information, 
along with the notification as per su b-paragraphs (b) and (c) above, by completing the 
template contained in the Annex, for each public stockholding programme that it maintains 
for food securi ty purposes; and  
e. provide  any additional relevant statistical information described in the Statistical Appendix 
to the Annex as soon as possible after i t becomes available, as well as  any information 
updating or correcting any information already  submitted.   
ANTI -CIRCUMVENTION/SAFEGUARDS  
4.   Any developing country Member seeking coverage of its programmes under paragraph 2 shall 
ensure that stocks procured under such programmes do not dist ort trade or adversely affect 
the food security of other Members.5  
 
5.   This Decision shall not be used in a manner that results in an increase of the support subject to 
the Member's Bound Total AMS or the de minimis  limits provided under programmes other th an 
those notified under sub-paragraph 3 (b). 
CONSULTATIONS  
6.   A developing country Member benefiting  from this Decision shall upon request hold 
consultations with other Members on the operation of its public stockholding programmes 
notified under sub-paragraph  3(b) and provide the necessary information.  
MONITORING  
7.   The Committee on Agriculture shall monitor the information submitted under this Decision.  
FINAL PROVISIONS  
8.   This Decision shall not be construed to impede the Uruguay Round agricultural reform 
program me aimed at correcting and preventing restrictions and distortions in world agricultural 
markets as stated in the preamble to the Agreement on Agriculture. Accordingly, developing 
country Members invoking this Decision for their public stockholding program mes, [and who 
are in a position to do so], [shall] /[shall endeavour] to undertake the necessary reforms in 
order to bring them back into compliance with their domestic support obligations under th is 
Agreement . 
 
5 Members confirm their understanding that the stocks procured under such programmes shall be used 
exclusively for food security purposes  and not be exported.  [This understanding shall not apply to food 
purchases by the World Food Programme for non -commercial humanitarian purposes .] 
 JOB/AG/215  
 
- 24 - 
 
  ANNEX  
TEMPLATE  
[Developing Country Member's name]  
General information  
1. Factual information confirming that DS:1 notification and relevant supporting tables 
have been submitted no later than [24 months]  after the end of the reporting year.  
(e.g. , date and document details)  
2. Details of the programme sufficient to identify food security objective and scale of the 
programme, including:  
a. Name of the programme  
b. Traditional staple food crop(s) covered   
c. Agency in charge of implementation  
d. Relevant laws and regulations  
e. Date of commencement of the programme  
f. Officially published objective criteria or guidelines  
3. Practical description of how the programme operates, including:  
a. Provisions relating to the purchase of stocks, including the way the administered 
acquisition price is determined  
b. Provisions related to volume and accumulation of stocks, including any provisions 
related to pre -determined targets and quantitative limits  
c. Provisions related to the release of stocks, including the determination of the 
release price and targeting (eligibility to receive procured stocks)  
4. A description of any measures aimed at minimising production or trade distortive 
effects of the program me 
5. Statistical information  (as per the Statistical Appendix below)  
6. Any other information considered relevant, including website references  
 JOB/AG/215  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Statistical Appendix ( per crop) (data for the latest three years)  
 Unit [Year 1]  [Year 2]  [Year 3]  
[Name of the crop]     
a. Opening balance of stocks      
b. Annual purchases under the programme 
(value)      
c. Annual purchases under the programme 
(quantity)      
d. Annual releases under the programme 
(value)      
e. Annual releases under the programme 
(quantity)      
f. Purchase prices      
g. Release prices      
h. End-year stocks      
i. Total production (quantity)      
j. Total production (value)      
k. Information on population benefiting from 
the release of this product  and quantities 
released:      
- Estimated number of beneficiaries at 
national level and, if possible, at sub -
national level      
- Quantity released to the beneficiaries 
at the national level and, if possible, at 
the sub -national level      
- Other      
l. In the case of government aid to private 
storage, statistics on the support granted 
and any updated statistics      
m. Total imports (value)      
n. Total imports (quantity)      
o. Total exports (value)      
p. Total exports (quantity)      
 
 JOB/AG/215  
 
- 26 - 
 
  PUBLIC STOCKHOLDING FOR FOOD SECURITY PURPOSES  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  2 
The Ministerial Conference,  
 
Having regard to paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;  
 
Acknowledging  the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/38  - WT/L/913), the 
General Council Decision of 27 November 2014 (WT/L/939) and the Ministerial Decision of 
19 December 2015 (WT/MIN(15)/44  - WT/L/979);   
 
Recognizing the importance of public stockholding programmes for food s ecurity  purposes for 
developing cou ntry members [as further highlighted by the COVID -19 pandemic] ; and 
 
Taking note of  the proposals made by Members in this regard;  
 
Decides  as follows:  
 
1.   Pursuant to the Nairobi Ministerial Decision (WT/MIN(15)/44  - WT/L/979), Members shall 
continue to pursu e negotiations and make all concerted efforts to agree and adopt a permanent 
solution to the issue of public stockholding for food security purposes in dedicated sessions of 
the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session (CoA -SS).  
 
2.   [In the interim, Membe rs agree to extend the Interim Solution established by  the Ministerial 
Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/38  - WT/L/913)  and the General Council Decision 
of 27 November 2014 (WT/L/939)  to public stockholding programmes for food security purposes 
of least developed countries enacted after 7 December 2013. ]  
 
3.   The General Council shall regularly review progress in these negotiations.  
 
_______________  
 JOB/AG/215  
 
- 27 - 
 
  TRANSPARENCY  
DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION  
The Ministerial Conference,  
Having regard to paragraph 1 of Article IX of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization;  
 
Emphasizing  the importance of transparency at the WTO, and in particular its contribution towards 
ensuring fair, effe ctive, and resilient agricultural markets;  
 
In the context of  moderni zing and streamlining transparency obligations in order to make them more 
useful whilst not unreasonably burdensome;  
 
Welcoming the various transparency enhancing elements contained in other Ministerial Decisions 
adopted as part of the outcome on agriculture at the Twelfth Ministerial Conference ; 
 
Taking note  of the proposals made by Members in this regard;  
 
Decides  as follows:  
 
1.   Furth er to the provisions in Article 18 of the Agreement on Agriculture and in document G/AG/2 
of 30 June 1995 on "Notification requirements and formats ", Members commit to enhancing 
transparency to improve monitoring in all areas of agricultur e. 
2.   The WTO Secretariat is directed to provide information on a regular basis to the Committee on 
Agriculture on available technical assistance, including  examples of recent cooperation , in an 
effort to assist  Members in prepar ing notifications pursuant to documen t G/AG/2  and fulfilling 
other relevant transparency and monitoring requirements.  
3.   Members welcome the development of information technology (IT) tools through the Agriculture 
Informational Management System (Ag -IMS) to facilitate data processing and on -line data 
submission by Members in implementing their  notifications obligations pursuant to document 
G/AG/2  and other relevant transparency and monitoring requirements.  
4.   [Members agree to establish a work programme  under the auspices of the Committee on 
Agricul ture to implement all revisions and additions to document G/AG/2 that Members agreed 
to explore in other Ministerial Decisions adopted as part of the outcome on agriculture at the 
Twelfth  Ministerial Conference  by [date].]  
 
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