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 US farmers warn Obama not to embrace protectionism 

US farmers warn Obama not to embrace protectionism

11 Nov, 2008 10:25 AM
In a rebuff to the protectionist policies espoused by US President-elect Barack Obama during the election campaign, the American Farm Bureau Federation says a new push is needed to revive the Doha WTO talks and remove trade barriers.

American Farm Bureau president Bob Stallman says the Doha Round of World Trade Organisation talks need a new structure for them to move forward.

"What's happening in the World Trade Organisation with negotiations, which require all countries to sign off on the agreement, is not working," Mr Stallman said.

"You have 153 countries involved in the negotiations and all are not there to improve trade flows. They have other interests and goals."

The AFBF plans to begin discussions with US and international business and trade leaders in an effort to find a new way to move the talks forward by removing barriers that are currently hindering trade and damaging global economic markets.

"It is imperative during this 'pause' in the WTO talks that we develop a new format that allows like-minded countries that want to move ahead to do so and I think that can be done within the WTO," Mr Stallman said.

"We're not advocating trying to supplant the WTO because it is a rules-based trading system that exists and that works."

Mr Stallman says that agriculture, manufacturing and other industries must work together despite the different issues and ideas each sector has.

The Farm Bureau hopes to find a new path forward that will help move talks along and hasten global economic recovery.

Mr Stallman is optimistic that a new approach will be welcomed by the new administration.

"Trade is an essential component of economic recovery," he said.

"Turning to protectionism or accepting existing barriers is never an answer."

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Greater US protectionism will send trade back to the dark ages and do nothing for their long-term future.
Posted by Richard Thomas, 11/11/2008 5:41:17 PM
It is laudable that US farm leaders urge support for the Doha Round of negotiations. Pity that the same people pushed for the extreme farm subsidies in the Farm Bill and the import restrictions that are the major impediment for finding an acceptable compromise in the Doha Round.
Posted by too good to be true, 12/11/2008 11:30:51 AM

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American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman.
American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman.
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