19 Mar 2005
G20 urges end to farm subsidies

What unmitigated nerve!

"This waffling on subsidies must end. The EU and US cannot offer us post-dated cheques," Indian Trade Minister Kamal Nath said.

I'll tell you what, Mr. Trade Minister. When India institutes a minimum wage equal to that of the US, and labor laws and environmental regulations equal to those of the US, then I'll support ending the subsidies to our farmers that allow them to compete with the atrocious living and working conditions for most of the citizens of your fair republic.

Twenty developing countries call on rich countries to scrap the subsidies they give to farmers within five years.

(link) [BBC News | World | UK Edition]

00:00 /Agriculture | 2 comments | permanent link