The WTO, the ‘Doha Development Agenda’ and the promise of 1bn Euro to “support farmers in poor countries”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jul/20/globaleconomy.wto1
http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2008/07/1319/eu-executive-earmarks-money-for-poor-world-farmers/61789.aspx
This guardian.co.uk article gives an overview of the latest round of WTO talks.  Interestingly the article spoke about the agreement of Europe’s trade ministers to provide 1bn Euro of support for farmers in poor countries.  I did a bit of digging and found the second article which outlines further details.  It turns out these funds will consist of unspent money from EU’s agricultural budget (the CAP).  The plans are in response to soaring food prices, and the Commission said the funds would be targeted towards “improving access to fertilisers and seeds, supplementing existing nutritional programmes and boosting funds for emergency food assistance”  The idea is still to be approved by the European Parliament and member states.  Keep checking this blog for updates!