The SquizLog

Subsidising Cows

In rich countries cows are being subsidised more than people in poor countries live on. Bizarre, but true.

In Europe, cows are being subsidised to the tune of $2.50 USD per day whereas most of the world's population struggles to survive on $1 to $2 USD per day, according to this article. Japan, not to be outdone, pays subsidies of $7.50 USD each day.

The World Trade Organisation is currently meeting in Cancun, Mexico, ostensibly to find ways to alleviate the poverty that affects billions of people. Given the vested interests at play and the track record of the WTO, it is difficult to be hopeful that real, substantial change of benefit to poor people will result.

However, I do draw some comfort from the fact that Oxfam is currently campaining to make trade fair.

And it is also exciting to learn about the formation of the G21 - an alliance of developing nations including Brazil, India, South Africa, China and Argentina.

Surely people everywhere deserve, as we say in Australia, a fair go.

Posted to People, Personal, Social Justice by Keith Pitty