Japan has returned to negotiations with Australia about a free trade agreement. As is the case between Ukraine and the EU, one of the sticking points is agriculture. The Japanese farmer has the highest level of government support and protection in the world. They would clearly lose in an open competition with Australian agricultural exports. However, the fact that negotiations have resumed signals that bilateral treaties may accomplish what the multilateral DOHA round of negotiations is failing: to create a transparent market for agricultural commodities. This is unfortunate as access to markets is critical to stimulate increased production and supply of food.

UkrAgroConsult