On this 40th anniversary of the Cairns Group, ministers reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural trade reform that achieves long-term food security, economic development, and social and environmental sustainability.
The Cairns Group is a coalition of 20 agricultural exporting nations formed in 1986 that represents over one-third of the world’s agricultural exports, with Australia playing a leading role as a nation with internationally valued agricultural products.
It advocates within the World Trade Organization (WTO) for free, fair and market-oriented trade, particularly through the reduction of trade-distorting subsidies.
Meeting in Cameroon, Cairns Group Ministers reiterated their commitment to rules-based trade reform and discussed how the rules could address the existing and emerging challenges facing agricultural markets.
Progressing discussions for market-based reform to agricultural trade rules, while addressing the food security concerns shared by all countries, is a key priority for the Group.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite:
“Our competitiveness as a key exporter of world class agricultural products across the world is reliant on a fair and open trading system.”
“But like most countries, our farmers are vulnerable to market uncertainties that colour the trading landscape.”
“The Australian Government remains committed to helping farmers including addressing trade rules which ensure greater fairness and predictability in global agricultural markets.”