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The Forum > Article Comments > Europe's hurting the poor > Comments

Europe's hurting the poor : Comments

By Mark Vaile, published 27/10/2005

Mark Vaile argues Europe needs a proposal on tariffs that will lead to an improvement in market access.

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At least New Zealand can still get its lamb into the UK despite the French, as this was the price they set for selling back to France the terrorists who bombed the Rainbow Warrior. Whenever I am over there and have a meal of roast New Zealand lamb, we always begin with a toast to the French Secret Service, without whose efforts the meal would not have been possible.
Posted by plerdsus, Thursday, 27 October 2005 10:49:33 AM
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Would it be anti-American to mention USA high AG subs too Mr Vaile?
Posted by Kenny, Thursday, 27 October 2005 11:47:57 AM
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To compare a 60% subsidy reduction to a 20% - 50% tariff reduction is like comparing apples and oranges.

Before drawing conclusions on what the EU and US are offering, we need to see the whole offer.

Cutting subsidies to US farmers without lowering tariffs, quota's and non-tariff barriers, won't enable any farmer to look up from their mattock with hope.

Cutting EU tariffs without reducing subsidies won't make it any easier for non-EU farmers to complete with EU farmers.

If this article reflects the true position on the current negotiations, then neither the US or EU are interested in any real or meaningful reform.
Posted by whoisbiggles, Thursday, 27 October 2005 12:49:14 PM
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US subs are closer to EU's then ours.
Also while Mr vaile moans about the EU the US is shanting us in Iraqi wheat exports. Don't tell me the yanks can do the FOB deal without Gov help.
Posted by Kenny, Thursday, 27 October 2005 1:31:18 PM
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Mr.Vaile, it seems the EU are hurting the poor, as you and the National Party, by supporting Howard's new IR laws, are in the process of creating more poverty, for working families. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing Howard's bidding, Black Jack McEwan, would turn in his grave if he knew how subseviant the Country Party has become to the Liberal Party.
Posted by SHONGA, Thursday, 27 October 2005 5:41:54 PM
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There is a revealing Oxfam press release about the US offer to cut subsidies by 60%.

http://www.oxfam.com/eng/pr051010_us_trade.htm

Its obviously all talk and even if implemented it will offer very little in the way of real change that affects world commodity prices. But, Vaile is right when he states "it goes well beyond any previous US offer", i.e., nothing. At least it's on the agenda and basically all that countries like Australia can do is to keep on lobbying until world agricultural trade is made more transparent and competitive. So, good job in this respect Mr Vaile.
Posted by weapon, Thursday, 27 October 2005 9:04:02 PM
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