WTO members have introduced seven new negotiating submissions on agriculture in the lead-up to the organization's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). These are the first such proposals since the previous ministerial meeting ended without consensus on food and agriculture.
Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain of Pakistan, Chair of the agriculture negotiating body, stated: "One thing is clear. Agriculture is a topic which is of paramount interest to the membership, and what they would like to see progress on at MC14."
The submissions address both unresolved and broader issues within agricultural negotiations. Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay submitted a communication focusing on market access reforms. The C-4+ group—Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire—presented a proposal concerning cotton and shared a ministerial declaration from their November 28 meeting in Bamako, Mali.
Further contributions came from the African Group and Brazil with broader submissions; Brazil's was structured as a draft ministerial decision. Trade and food security were addressed in two proposals: Jamaica submitted a draft declaration, while Least Developed Countries (LDCs) presented a draft decision.
Alongside these discussions, meetings also took place on public stockholding programmes for developing economies and a proposed "special safeguard mechanism" for responding to import surges or price drops.
Delegates indicated that their capitals are reviewing the new submissions. Some representatives stressed fast-tracking key priorities previously identified by ministers; others advocated for a more comprehensive approach. The relationship between trade and food security featured prominently in discussions.
While some members did not submit new proposals on specific issues like public stockholding or export restrictions, they emphasized that realistic expectations for MC14 should not undermine longer-term negotiation goals. Concerns remain about reaching consensus on all topics at the upcoming conference; however, there was openness to declarations linking trade with agriculture and food security.
Members agreed to continue efforts toward building consensus ahead of MC14. Ambassador Hussain urged constructive engagement among members to resolve differences and reiterated his willingness to facilitate dialogue as needed.
The Chair will update WTO bodies about negotiation progress at the Trade Negotiations Committee meeting scheduled for December 12, ahead of the General Council gathering planned for December 16-17. Members were encouraged to finalize any additional submissions before these meetings.