Ivan Richard
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília - The United States has still not complied with a World Trade Organization ruling that its cotton subsidies are illegal and should be halted. "This weakens WTO credibility," declared Brazilian minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues, yesterday.

Rodrigues pointed out that the farm sector is extremely important for Brazil and internationally competitive. What Brazil wants is for rich countries to reduce subsidies that distort markets so that developing nations can compete in the farm sector on a level playing field.

Last year the Brazilian farm sector accounted for 30% of GDP, over 40% of all exports and 30% of the country's jobs.

Translator: Allen Bennett