WTO Agriculture Talks: Members Urged to Innovate Ahead of MC14 Negotiations

Ambassador Hussain, who assumed his role on 1 April, emphasized that agriculture remains a strategic priority within the broader WTO reform agenda.

As momentum builds toward the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in March 2026, agriculture negotiations are emerging as a critical arena for global trade diplomacy. At the recent Committee on Agriculture meeting on 30 April, the newly appointed Chair of the agriculture negotiations, Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain of Pakistan, called on World Trade Organization (WTO) members to break with unproductive past patterns and instead pursue innovative, pragmatic solutions that could shape meaningful outcomes for MC14.

Agriculture Talks: A Strategic Pillar for MC14

Ambassador Hussain, who assumed his role on 1 April, emphasized that agriculture remains a strategic priority within the broader WTO reform agenda. Members broadly agreed that MC14 must serve as a pivotal juncture for progress in agriculture talks, though consensus on how to reach that goal remains elusive. The Chair acknowledged deep-seated divergences in members' positions but underlined that MC14 does not have to be the final word—rather, it should represent a decisive step forward in negotiations.

"The credibility of the WTO depends on its ability to respond to real-world challenges," Hussain said, referencing current global instability, economic uncertainty, and climate-related disruptions that have underscored the urgency of agricultural reform.

Constructive Dialogue and Inclusive Processes

Hussain outlined his vision for a more inclusive and transparent negotiation framework. He committed to holding consultations in various formats and pledged that meetings of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session (CoASS) will be organized as needed to share updates, gather feedback, and maintain momentum.

He announced that in the coming weeks he will prioritize consultations with proponents on key issues, hoping to explore how concrete progress can be achieved through realistic and flexible negotiation pathways. Unlike previous negotiation cycles, the Chair clarified there would not be a facilitator-led process at this stage, although technical discussions may be initiated if the need arises.

A significant milestone will be a stocktaking session, expected in late September or early October, which will assess progress made and guide members on the next steps leading up to MC14.

Shared Responsibility and Support for Innovation

Members welcomed Hussain’s roadmap and highlighted the importance of setting realistic expectations while keeping a clear eye on post-MC14 objectives. They encouraged a shift away from historically ineffective tactics and advocated for fresh strategies to close gaps, particularly in Geneva-based discussions.

An upcoming retreat on sustainable agriculture, scheduled for 5–6 May, is seen as a vital platform to align on priorities and deepen understanding of emerging issues. Members also reiterated the value of regular meetings of the Committee on Agriculture to ensure that negotiations remain focused, transparent, and responsive.

Cairns Group–African Group Collaboration: A Glimmer of Progress

Noteworthy progress was reported in the joint efforts of the Cairns Group—composed of agricultural exporting countries—and the African Group. The two coalitions, alongside other stakeholders, have been engaging in technical discussions since February to develop a draft modalities package that could lay the groundwork for negotiations within the CoASS.

Their collaborative approach is aimed at identifying both areas of divergence and convergence without locking members into premature commitments. Participants emphasized that any evolving agreement would remain provisional until an acceptable package for all is finalized, creating a safe space for honest dialogue.

Public Stockholding: Political Will vs. Policy Divides

Public stockholding (PSH) for food security remains one of the thorniest topics. While Ambassador Hussain sensed growing political will among delegations to address this issue, divisions persist—especially around sequencing and fears about expanding domestic subsidies. Many members noted that the uncertain global trade environment is complicating efforts to make headway.

Proponents stressed the urgency of achieving a permanent solution on PSH, citing rising economic volatility and the potential for supply chain disruptions. Ambassador Hussain underscored the need for open, solution-oriented exchanges: “There is no alternative to frank exchanges to achieve meaningful progress.”

Special Safeguard Mechanism: Balancing Development and Market Access

Discussions on the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) revealed enduring tensions, particularly regarding its relationship with market access. For many developing countries, SSM is a non-negotiable priority tied to food sovereignty and rural livelihoods. Ambassador Hussain encouraged members to approach this file with creative thinking and technical flexibility, aiming to chart a path toward convergence without derailing the overall negotiation balance.

Outlook: Realism, Innovation, and Persistence

With less than a year until MC14, WTO members face an uphill climb in reconciling divergent interests across the agricultural spectrum. However, under Ambassador Hussain’s stewardship, the process now rests on principles of inclusivity, technical rigor, and the political will to embrace shared solutions over entrenched positions.

As members prepare for the stocktaking session later this year, the emphasis remains on innovation, transparency, and targeted dialogue. Whether this approach can ultimately yield transformative outcomes at MC14 will depend on the collective resolve to learn from the past while engaging with the future.