The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressed optimism about advancing farm trade talks following an initiative by Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy of Türkiye. The initiative outlines two options to move the negotiations forward.
Okonjo-Iweala noted a "meeting of minds" among members and a willingness to break the deadlock in agriculture discussions. She stated, “I sense that there's a willingness to try to break the gridlock on agriculture and to try and move the process forward.” She also mentioned that members are open to meeting in various configurations to find common ground.
More than 50 WTO members discussed Ambassador Acarsoy's report, which presents two approaches for negotiation advancement. The first approach involves group discussions where smaller groups address specific issues before integrating their outcomes into broader talks at the Committee on Agriculture in special session (CoA SS). The second approach is a facilitator-led process where appointed facilitators guide inclusive discussions, update members, and ensure input shapes substantive negotiations.
Okonjo-Iweala observed an "appetite" for both options but acknowledged some delegations have questions needing clarity. She plans to convene a meeting with the Chair to address these concerns and outline engagement processes and timelines for member consideration.
Ambassador Acarsoy emphasized the necessity of resuming negotiations after setbacks at recent conferences. He highlighted that rebuilding trust is essential for progress and that maintaining the status quo is undesirable. Members agreed fresh ideas are needed to overcome deadlocks. He stated, “So, the question before us today is how we take concrete steps forward,” suggesting periodic meetings may be necessary at higher levels to ensure progress on challenging issues.
The Director-General underscored calls for updating WTO multilateral disciplines in agriculture, noting reform has been limited over the past 25 years. She stressed agriculture's importance globally and urged it not be sidelined: “We don't want to continue to see agriculture as an issue that is put on the back burner.”
Okonjo-Iweala supported the Chair's proposed process, advocating for giving it a chance while respecting past mandates and considering new challenges like climate change. She committed significant time and priority to agriculture but emphasized member involvement: “I intend to accord as much time, importance, and priority to agriculture in the coming weeks and months, but that depends on you.”