Free Trade Agreements

26-29 February: La Via Campesina calls for a Week of Mobilization against the WTO

For more than a decade, the failure of this institution to reach a consensus on a lasting resolution for public food stocks clearly illustrates its alignment with the interests of the US, and other strong export-oriented countries. As the 13th Ministerial Meeting commences in Abu Dhabi on 26th February, La Via Campesina urges its members across countries to take to the streets and mobilize against the WTO.

Call to action: Fair incomes for all farmers! Stop free trade agreements immediately!

European Coordination Via Campesina calls for a European mobilisation on 1 February 2024 in Brussels to express its discontent and call for a paradigm change. Europe’s neo-liberal policies are overwhelmingly responsible for farmers’ distress. ECVC has been calling for a change of direction and is therefore taking to the streets demanding suspension of FTAs and for fair prices.

France & Farmers’ Protest: Confédération Paysanne calls for national mobilization

The National Committee of the Confédération Paysanne, has expressed its full solidarity with the movements of farmers in France. The observation is shared: the expressed anger is legitimate, given the profound issue of peasant labor remuneration. The Confédération Paysanne has decided to call on all departmental structures to express their solidarity with the movement.

EU-MERCOSUR FTA: a political agreement at the expense of farmers?

According to a leak, the Mercosur counterproposal lacks detail and includes requests for a mechanism to balance trade concessions. Some believe that Mercosur would like to have higher quotas for agricultural products that are not included in the Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR)..

Canada: NFU calls for fair and just international trade systems | #10Sept2023

Agreements include Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) Mechanisms that hamper governments from enacting new legislation and regulations to protect human and environmental health. Canadian investors in the mining, oil and gas sector have initiated the highest number of Canada’s ISDS cases – 70 percent! The warning Mr Lee left us is especially relevant as Mexico currently struggles to uphold its food sovereignty by prohibiting GM corn.