SASKATOON, Sask. - "The Seattle failure serves notice that trade agreements such as the WTO cannot move forward unless they serve the needs of farmers, workers, the environment, and the citizens of developing nations," said NFU President Cory Ollikka on his return from the Seattle World Trade Organization (WTO) talks.

The pressure which derailed the WTO talks came from the thousands marching in Seattle; from European consumers who refuse to eat GM canola and hormone-treated beef; from farm organizations representing farmers from Albania to Zimbabwe; from citizens opposed to destructive environmental practices; from developing nations; and from workers concerned about labour standards.

Ollikka was optimistic, however, that the Seattle failure could usher in a new era where trade serves the needs of citizens and communities. "Seattle marks the end of 'trade for trade's sake' and the beginning of 'trade in the interest of society.' If governments want to save this round of WTO talks, they will have to deal with the concerns of civil society. They will have to create trade deals which advance the interests of people and the environment, not just corporate traders," said Ollikka.

There are specific implications for Canadian agriculture. "Seattle creates an opening for farmers and farm organizations to work with government to ensure that farm families and rural communities receive their fair share of the benefits of food trade. The failure of the Seattle negotiations gives farmers more time to work on alternatives. The challenge for all farm organizations is to capitalize on these opportunities to ensure that, in future, trade contributes to a solution to the farm income crisis. So far, it has contributed only to the problem," concluded Ollikka.

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For More Information:

• Cory Ollikka, NFU President: (780) 383-2148 or (780) 499-4805
  
• Darrin Qualman, Executive Secretary: (306) 652-9465