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agriculture | farmers | food

Short end of stick for Peru farmers
7-Dec-2007 Prensa Latina
The Peruvian government’s happiness was contrasted today by the solemnity of agrarian producers after the ratification of the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement by the US Senate.
NAFTA free trade myths lead to farm failure in Mexico
6-Dec-2007 Americas Program
On Jan. 1, 2008 the last remaining tariff barriers permitted under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are slated to fall. The idea is that all products now enter into a competitive market that will self-regulate to enhance production, efficiency, investment, and, indirectly, the lives of Mexican producers and consumers. That’s the idea. But what has happened in the Mexican countryside over the past 14 years of NAFTA shows that free trade has been a disaster for small farmers in Mexico.
India mulls FTA with China
6-Dec-2007 Times of India
India is considering a Free Trade Agreement with China but a decision will be based on sensitivities of domestic industry. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh categorically stated that agriculture will not be included in FTAs.
East Africa: EPA signed to ’’protect’’ small farmers
1-Dec-2007 IPS
The East African Community signed a framework agreement with the European Union to ensure continued access to EU markets for African small farmers, says Juma Mwapachu, secretary general of the East African regional body.
China changes agriculture investment restrictions
28-Nov-2007 SeedQuest
On October 31, China’s "Industrial Catalog for Foreign Investment (2007 Amendment)", providing guidance for investments that the Chinese Government favors, discourages, or bans, was approved by the State Council and published. It will become effective on December 1, 2007.
Mexico to protest NAFTA enforcement
28-Nov-2007 Prensa Latina
Imminent opening of the Mexican market to tax-free imports from the US and Canada is source of protests 34 days short of enforcing the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Asean FTA: Time to introspect on domestic oilseed cultivation
28-Nov-2007 Hindu Business Line
In the absence of a clear strategy to put our own house in order, the India-ASEAN FTA negotiations appear to be farcical. Negotiations are conducted between equals and in a level playing field. But here is a situation where everyone knows India is vulnerable.
Ivorian banana growers push for new EU trade deal
24-Nov-2007
Ivory Coast’s banana and pineapple farmers are urging the government to sign a new trade deal with the European Union so they can compete once tariff free access to its market ends next month, officials said.
A basket to carry water
23-Nov-2007
The grey clouds of attrition are gathering over concluding negotiations with the European Union, which has suddenly adopted a determined mercantilist attitude at this late date. The negotiations with Cariforum (CF) are now foundering in a sea of uncertainty, reminiscent of the opening stanza of the famous Trinidadian calypso "Captain, this ship is sinking.".
`Body blow to Kerala farmers`
23-Nov-2007
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remark that India will show the necessary flexibility on talks for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) is worrying farmers in Kerala.
Govt warned on EPAs
22-Nov-2007
A group of civil society representatives in Uganda have warned the government against signing an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union arguing that it will stifle the growth of local industries and frustrate the effort of local farmers.
What a vote for free trade means for the U.S.
22-Nov-2007
In the 2006 elections, aspiring Democrats attacked the Bush administration’s free trade policies, and more than 20 new members of Congress were elected, giving the Democratic Party its new majority in the House of Representatives. Yet, nearly two weeks ago, Democratic Party leaders urged those same members of Congress to vote for a new free trade agreement with Peru.
Talks on to clinch FTA
22-Nov-2007
India is willing to grant concessions on tariffs for the four agricultural commodities that proved to be a hurdle in finalising the India Asean free trade agreement but made it clear that it expected other countries to match its steps to wrap up the deal.
Manmohan softens stance on FTA
22-Nov-2007
In a small but significant step forward, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the 10-member Asean would be wrapped up by March next year and that India would show “necessary flexibility” to achieve this goal.
Beef market opens wider to Philippines
20-Nov-2007 Farm Futures
Recent bilateral negotiations have led to an agreement giving US beef complete access to the Philippine market.
South Korea aims to retain agriculture tariffs at EU FTA talks
16-Nov-2007 Asia Pulse
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said that rice will be exempted from free trade agreement talks altogether, while Seoul will stress the need to hold onto some protection for grain, vegetables and fruits.
Senators urged to hear out peasants on JPEPA
9-Nov-2007 Inquirer
The greatest benefit from any increased banana and pineapple exports resulting from JPEPA will go to the big foreign agribusiness TNCs like Dole and Del Monte, not to Filipino workers and farmers as a whole, militant groups say.
As Senate resumes public hearings, new anti-JPEPA group slams effects on agriculture
8-Nov-2007
Members of No Deal! JPEPA, Movement Against Unequal Economic Agreements, slammed the effects on agriculture of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Colombia: A significant market for US red meat upon FTA ratification
5-Nov-2007 Cattle Network
The US Meat Export Federation estimates that around 50 percent of pork production in Colombia comes from family-owned farms
Landlessness, environmental healh hazards to increase with JPEPA
5-Nov-2007 Mindanews
The militant peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Southern Mindanao Region and No Deal! Movement against Unequal Economic Agreements are spearheading today a protest rally against Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) in Davao City as the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to submit its report on JPEPA in the plenary.