WFO outlines farmers’ priorities for WTO agricultural trade negotiations ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14).

Ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) has released its official Statement presenting farmers’ priorities for WTO agricultural trade negotiations and the future direction of the global agricultural trading system.

The Conference, scheduled to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26 to 29 March 2026, will be decisive in shaping the direction of agricultural trade negotiations and reinforcing trust in the multilateral trading framework. At a time marked by market volatility, geopolitical tensions and increasing climate-related pressures, strengthening transparent and predictable WTO mechanisms is crucial to secure stability and accountability in global trade.

As the global representative of farmers’ organisations, WFO engages constructively with WTO Members and stakeholders to ensure that agricultural trade rules reflect on-the-ground realities and contribute to a fair and rules-based multilateral agricultural trading system.

In its Statement, WFO calls for strengthened disciplines on export restrictions and export taxes, the elimination of trade-distorting subsidies that negatively affect other markets, and a renewed commitment to refrain from unilateral trade measures that undermine trust in the WTO framework. Ensuring fair competition and a level playing field remains central to enabling farmers to compete, invest and innovate.

The Statement further addresses other key elements of the agricultural negotiations, including the need for a fully functioning dispute settlement system, special and differential treatment for developing countries, the resolution of public stockholding for food security purposes, and the proper enforcement of existing WTO agreements, including TRIPS-related provisions

Trade remains a pillar of global food security and a key enabler of stable food supply worldwide. WTO rules must enable timely responses to global food crises while supporting national food security objectives and preserving the resilience of agri-food systems.

WFO likewise stresses the value of aligning trade, climate and sustainability policies. Trade-related climate measures should account for adaptation costs for farmers — particularly in developing countries — and avoid unlawful protectionist barriers, ensuring that trade and climate agreements reinforce each other.

“Agricultural trade negotiations must meaningfully involve farmers and their organisations,” stated Andrea Porro, WFO Secretary General. “A transparent, predictable and rules-based multilateral system is essential to restore trust, strengthen resilience and secure long-term prosperity for agricultural producers worldwide.”

Farmers are not passive beneficiaries of trade policies. They are entrepreneurs, economic actors and essential contributors to food security and sustainability. Trade frameworks, therefore, have to create enabling conditions that allow them to plan, invest, and innovate with confidence.

Key Farmers’ Priorities at a Glance

• Strengthening a transparent, predictable and rules-based multilateral agricultural trading system is essential to restore trust and stability in global trade.
• Trade is a pillar of global food security and must enable timely responses to global food crises while supporting national food security objectives.
• Fair market competition requires equitable WTO rules, strengthened disciplines on export restrictions and trade-distorting subsidies, and a level playing field for all farmers.
• Trade and climate policies must reinforce each other, supporting adaptation efforts while avoiding unlawful protectionist measures.
• Farmers’ organisations must be meaningfully involved in WTO negotiations and implementation processes to ensure that trade rules reflect production realities and on-the-ground experience.

WFO will continue to actively engage in multilateral dialogue to ensure that agricultural negotiations address global challenges facing food and agriculture systems, reflect the needs and experiences of farmers at the local level, reinforce farmers’ position in the food chain, and secure food security for the global population.

Download the full WFO Statement (PDF) HERE