EU to drop farm export subsidies?
Via VodkaPundit, a report that the European Union is ready to stop subsidizing farm exports if other western WTO nations do the same.
Aid agency Oxfam doesn't seem to really believe it:
Jo Leadbeater, head of advocacy in Oxfam’s Brussels Office said: “A genuine offer to eliminate all export subsidies would be cause for great celebration. The European Union must make this pledge a reality as soon as possible, and encourage the US to follow suit.
“We want to see a definite date set for the elimination of export subsidies. This could give a real boost to stalled WTO negotiations and be a big step towards making trade work for the poor.”
She went on: “Export subsidies exacerbate poverty in the developing world by enabling EU farmers to dump their excess produce overseas at prices that undercut local producers.
Exactly. But I don't believe it before I see it, either. Expect massive protests from farmers if the EU should try to implement some sanity.
10:51:11 PM 
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