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Farm-Scape, Episode 2204

The Canadian Pork Council is expressing disappointment with the suspension of talks aimed at establishing a new world trade agreement and urging Ottawa to encourage a resumption of the negotiations.

On Monday, following the weekend collapse of talks in Geneva involving ministers from Australia, Brazil, the European Union, India, Japan and the United States, World Trade Organization director general Pascal Lamy announced he'll recommend "a time out" to allow members time to reflect, review the situation, examine available options and review positions.

Canadian Pork Council President Clare Schlegel describes the development as a disappointing setback.

" The multilateral trading platform is key to the pork industry having access to markets around the world. It's key to having our ag policies in North America more similar and to reduce distortions and make a fair and level playing field around the world.

Canadian farmers, particularly on pork and beef farms, have benefited significantly from the last round of world talks, the Uruguay round, and we were looking forward to increased opportunities. Those opportunities are currently put on hold.

We believe it affects not only farmers but it also affects further processors, our industry partners, but also affects every Canadian in a negative way. We would urge the Canadian government to play an influential role at the world level in what ever way they can position themselves to try to encourage the kick starting of these negotiations.

Do what's necessary at home and in negotiation with the significant players, the G-6, and try to work to encourage these conversations to again start."

Schlegel notes once in awhile these types of negotiations need some breathing space so their importance can be understood. He expects that realization will set in, common sense will prevail and players will get back to the table as soon as possible.

For Farmscape.Ca, I'm Bruce Cochrane.