Agriculture ministers from nearly 30 countries met in Berlin on Saturday to discuss ways to reduce export subsidies for farm produce as part of efforts to safeguard world food supplies, according to dpa. The discussions took place on the fringe of International Green Week, one of the world's biggest shows of agricultural products, which opened its doors on Friday. The ministers drafted a paper which called for improved market access for developing countries and steps to reduce subsidies and other export-promotion measures that distort the market. One of the main goals of agriculture was to ensure there was an adequate supply of food to meet global demands, the ministers said. They also called for steps to increase farm production in the world's poorest countries. About 1,600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries are displaying farm produce through January 25 at the International Green Week. At a separate meeting, Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev proposed that the European Union and Russia work together to form a common agricultural policy. EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel expressed scepticism, saying the two sides needed to continue their constructive dialogue and coordinate regulations that affect both their industries.
