Fed: Aust ready to take on US in WTO over farm bill
Australia is facing a World Trade Organisation showdown with the United States afterthe US moved to boost subsidies to American farmers.
The federal government, opposition and the National Farmers' Federation all say WTOaction is a chance now America is gearing up to further subsidise its agricultural sector.
The US Farm Bill, worth $A185 billion in assistance over six years, is set to be passedby Congress within a fortnight, and then signed off by President BUSH.
The bill includes direct payments to farmers for crops, onerous labelling laws, additionalemergency payment systems and industry promotion programs.
Apart from depressing international prices for products such as cotton and milk, Australianofficials fear the bill will increase non-tariff trade barriers within the US.
National Farmers Federation president IAN DONGES has called the Farm Bill a tragedyfor international trade, and Agriculture Minister WARREN TRUSS says Australia should imposepunitive tariffs on US imports.
Meanwhile, the Opposition has called on the government to find other avenues to protectAustralian farmers' interests -- such as pushing agriculture to the top of this week'stalks with Japan.
AAP RTV sw/daw/tb/rp
KEYWORD: TRADE (CANBERRA)
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