Latin America's agricultural producers, particularly Brazil and Argentina, say EU agricultural policy is protectionist, deprives them of world market share and keeps prices for their products low. The EU makes up about 20 per cent of world farm exports. Osorio added that the Cairns Group is hoping to have proposals for wide-ranging reform of agricultural regimes submitted by the middle of next year. Osorio said the negotiations on agricultural reform within the WTO talks themselves should be completed by 2003. The sheer volume of agricultural production from the Mercosur trade bloc, which includes farming giants Brazil and Argentina as well as Paraguay and Uruguay, appears likely to ensure strong South American influence at the WTO talks.
Brazil is the world's largest sugar producer and biggest grower and exporter of coffee.
Brazil and Argentina are the world's second and third largest soybean producers, behind the United States, while a quarter of the world's cattle herd feeds on grasslands throughout the Mercosur nations. If you appreciate the information we provide, please support our work. Make a donation or become a member of Global Policy Forum.