It seems like there will be no concrete date for the EU and US to end their export subsides at these trade talks. The EU will discuss a possible reduction in subsidies by March 2006, but is unwilling to set an end date for its regime. This offer also depends on the US being willing to negotiate reductions in its subsidies. The US seems totally unwilling to enter into discussion on the issue.

Adriano Campolina Soares, director of ActionAid Americas says:

"The draft WTO agriculture text currently being discussed is an outrage, as it only reflects the interests of the rich. Not only is the EU unwilling to respect commitments to end its export subsidies but it is making the offer conditional on the US taking the first move.

"The rich countries are playing a deadly game of dare but it is the millions of poor farmers that will have to pay the price. Unless the negotiations take a drastic U-turn, ActionAid believes that poor countries must reject this draft."