Mackay sugarcane growers are hoping a swell of international pressure will force India to scrap its grower subsidies once the WTO hands down its decision. Trade Minister Dan Tehan said he expected the second round of the global hearing to start by the end of February or early March. It is understood the World Trade Organisation may take months to reach its final verdict against India, which Australia has accused of illegally breaching international trade rules. Foreign Affairs and Trade Department s Ravi Kewalram said the Indian government had subsidised production by 109 per cent in 2018-19, far above the WTO limit of 10 per cent.
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Subscriber only Mackay sugarcane farmers are hoping negotiations can unlock more than 500 million extra global consumers for their exports. Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Dan Tehan met with some of the who s who of sugar at a shed talk on Tuesday to discuss the government s ambitious plans. Canegrowers Queensland chairman Paul Schembri meeting with Dawson MP George Christensen and Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Dan Tehan at a shed talk on Tuesday. In the background are Canegrowers Mackay deputy chairman Anthony (Tony) Ross and Erakala sugarcane farmer Andre Camilleri. Picture: Heidi Petith We are in the midst of two pretty important free trade agreement negotiations at the moment - one with the United Kingdom and one with the European Union, Mr Tehan said.