2006-07-20
By: Chris Sumner

 

Is it the end of the world if a deal on agriculture is not reached at the World Trade Orgainzation by the end of July?

Bob Friesen, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, says no.

He feels Canada will be better off in the long run if we continue to negotiate for the best agreement possible, even if it takes longer than originally thought.

Friesen says Canadian agriculture would have been no better off if a deal was signed earlier this month that didn't reduce U.S. domestic support programs, or increase market access into the European Union.

Friesen stresses it will be a daunting task to salvage what's left of the Doha round.

He adds it will be nearly impossible to get a deal done by the end of of the month, noting there's rumblings a new deadline of the end of 2006 may be established.