MINNEAPOLIS - I wanted to clarify the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's position on the recent World Trade Organization ruling against the U.S. cotton program as reported by Jerry Hagstrom in the May 3 Agweek.
IATP is not praising the ruling. It doesn't think the case gets to the core issue that affects all farmers - and that is improving prices so farmers can make a living. The WTO ruling narrowly attacks our subsidy system. But if we were to eliminate our subsidy system without making major changes in the market, it would be a disaster for our farmers and not very helpful to Brazil's farmers. Instead, IATP is advocating for a fair market environment, one that manages supply, increases competition and improves prices for farmers.Ben Lilliston
Editor's Note: Lilliston is with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.Grand Forks Herald:
