Fact Sheets

Compilation of Text-Based NTB Proposals, March 2007

A compilation by the WTO Secretariat of all members proposals for how to deal with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in the non-agricultural market access (NAMA) negotiations.

Patentes: Dadas por Sentado en los Planes para un Mercado Global de Biocombustibles

NAMA11 Trade Union Statement, March 2007

Joint Statement by Trade Unions from the NAMA11 countries. NAMA11 is a group of developing countries in the WTO who defend industrial development and employment under the non-agricultural market access (NAMA) negotiations.

Water Crisis and Food Sovereignty from a Gender Perspective

Over the past two generations, irrigation-intensive agriculture has been widely promoted as the solution to food security challenges faced by the developing world. While irrigation-intensive agriculture has helped in some contexts, it looks less feasible as a solution when examined from the perspective of the growing water crisis.

The Guessing Game: How Will the U.S. Play Agriculture Trade in 2007

The U.S. has shown less willingness than other WTO members to change its position on agriculture. Now a complicated web of issues and interests is being spun inside the U.S. that could affect the WTO agriculture negotiations.

Protecting Public Health from Toxic Mercury

Toxic mercury is still used unnecessarily in many products, while non-mercury alternatives are readily available and cost-effective.

Protecting Public Health from Toxic Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are widely used in a variety of products to prevent and slow the spread of fire. While fire retardancy is important, some flame retardants, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, used in electronics and other products are leaving a lasting toxic legacy in the environment and in human beings. The good news is safer alternatives